OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

AND THE 

BATTLE ^ LAKE ERIE 



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OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

From a porlrail in the collection of the laic Jay Cooke, 
Giliralter Island, Lake Erie 



OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

AND THE 

BATTLE of LAKE ERIE 



BY 

JAMES COOKE MILLS 

AUTHOR OF "OUR INLAND SEAS" 
"SEARCHLIGHTS ON AMERICAN INDUSTRIES' 



II,I,USTRATED WITH 

PICTURES OF BATTLE SCENES FROM RARE 

OLD ENGRAVINGS 



DETROIT 

JOHN PHELPS, Publisher 

1913 



-T^^' 



Copyright, 1913 
JOHN PHELPS, DETROIT 



All rights reserved 



Published June 30, 1913 



PRESS OF 
SEEMANN & PETERS, SAGINAW. U. S. A- 



^ 



/J^ 



TO 

THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY, 

WHOSE DEEDS OF VALOR, IN PEACE AND 

IN WAR, WERE INSPIRED BY THE 

NOBI,E EXAMPLE OF THE 

HERO OF ERIE 



PREFACE 

A MONG the noblest traditions of the nation is the 
f^L memory of its great men and heroes of war. For 
"*■ who among all true Americans does not cherish 

the memory of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Grant, 
and Farragut, and of other patriots, whose deeds of 
valor and achievements of state have moulded our 
national progress? Among these patriots was another 
— the immortal Hero of Erie — upon whom was be- 
stowed all the attributes that give lustre to valorous 
action and chivalrous self-devotion to the cause of his 
country ; blended with modesty, kindness, courtesy, and 
with lively sympathies for humanity. 

To place the deeds and public services of Oliver 
Hazard Perry before his countrymen, of the present and 
succeeding generations, in a complete and enduring 
form, to show his true character, to depict his virtues 
without concealing his faults, is the purpose of this 
work. It is not intended to be an eulogy upon him, but 
a faithful history of the events of his life, so far as 
they are deemed of interest or of any importance in 
appreciating his character. If, however, some passages 
may seem to be unduly laden with praise, it is because 
the author has found it impossible, after delving into 
old and authenticated records of a century ago, to give 
a true account of the short but troubled life of Com- 
modore Perry, without indulging in enthusiasm for the 
nobility of his character and for the important nature 
of his public services. 

In narrating, therefore, the events of his active and 
useful life, this work becomes much more than a mere 
biography of a great man; it is a faithful history of 



PREFACE 

the naval operations on Lake Erie in 1813, and of tlie 
subsequent movements of the army under the command 
of General William H. Harrison, in the peninsula of 
Upper Canada. The success of these operations resulted 
in the overthrow of British power in the Northwest, 
maintained the integrity of the United States, and pro- 
moted the great material expansion of the vast territory 
now known as the Middle West. 

In celebrating the centenary of these glorious 
events, which added so much lustre to the American 
arms, it is not intended to reflect the least feeling of 
exultation over a conquered foe, but rather to celebrate 
the greatness of our country. It is to commemorate 
above all things the one hundred years of uninterrupted 
peace with Great Britain, a peace which was made pos- 
sible by Perry's decisive victory on Lake Erie. In no 
other naval engagement were the consequences to the 
whole country of such momentous character. The Hero 
of Erie was only twenty-eight years old at the time of 
that crowning event in his career, and he was but thirty- 
four when he gave up his final command; but his life 
was filled with fine things finely done. In his life he 
was subject to the respect and admiration of his country- 
men; in liis death to their deepest sorrow. The uni- 
versal esteem which was felt for his many virtues was 
translated into reverence for his memory, into venera- 
tion for his example. He still lives in the hearts of 
Ills coinitrymen, clothed in perpetual youth, just as he 
stocKl on the (juarter deck of the Xiagara, Avhen he saw 
tliat his ctlorts were crowned with success, and could 
si'iid ilicm this glowing message: ''We have met the 
ciuMiiy and ihcy are ours." 

J. C. M. 

Saginaw, Midi. 
iM'bnmrv L'L*nd, liHS. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 

His Ancestry and Boyhood 

Edmund Perry, his third great-grandfather, settles in Narra- 
gansett — His grandfather, Freeman Perry, marries daughter of 
OHver Hazard — Third son, Christopher, father of Oliver, serves 
in revolution — A master of merchantman — Marries — Birth of 
Oliver — Anecdotes of boyhood — Early indications of high char- 
acter and intellect — Taught navigation — French aggressions on 
American commerce — Creation of navy — Oliver's father a post- 
captain — Builds the General Greene — Oliver enters the navy. 

CHAPTER II 

Oliver as a Midshipman 

Sails with father in the General Greene to West Indies — 
Ordered to San Domingo — Capture of Jaquemel — Incident of 
the British 74 — Spirited conduct of Captain Perry — Return to 
Newport — Peace with France — Tripolitan war — Oliver sails for 
the Mediterranean — Promoted to acting-lieutenancy — Arrives ofif 
Tripoli — Boat expedition — Perry returns home — Sails in 1804 
with Barron for Mediterranean — Renewed difificulties with Tripoli 

— Perry transferred to Gibralter — Character as an officer — Re- 
turns in the Essex. 

CHAPTER III 

Training for War 

Builds and commands flotilla of gunboats at Newport — Is 
engaged to be married — Sails for New York — Protects the har- 
bor — British spoliation of our commerce — Builds more gunboats 

— Commands the Revenge — Sails for Charleston — Encounter with 
a British sloop — Ordered to Newport — Wreck of Revenge — Crew 
saved — Furlough — Married — War with England declared — Ap- 
plies for sea service — Appointed to command gunboats at New- 
port — Zeal and discipline — Conduct towards Captain Morris — 
Loss of Lieutenant Blodgett — Offers services to Commodore 
Chauncey — Claims command of the Argus — His delicacy to Allen. 

(I) 



CHAPTER IV 
Creating a Naval Force on Lake Erie 
Designated to command the naval forces on Lake Erie — 
Leaves Newport — Visits his parents — Proceeds to Lake On- 
tario—Conditions of warfare on western frontier — Capture of 
the Detroit and Caledonia — Leaves for Erie — Origin of the first 
vessels of war — Difficulties of construction — Want of arms and 
articles of equipment — Rushes work on vessels — Launch of gun- 
boats and brigs. 

CHAPTER V 
Arming and Manning the Lake Erie Fleet 
Joins Chauncey in attack of Fort George — Perry's account — 
Ordered to Black Rock — Tracks the gunboats to the lake — Sails 
for Erie — Pursued by British squadron — Arrival at Erie — Want 
of men — Ordered to co-operate with General Harrison — Letters 
to Chauncey — Asks him to assume command in person — Re- 
ceives small reinforcements — Deficient in officers. 

CHAPTER VI 
Cruising Up the Lake 

Co-operates with General Harrison — Chauncey holds back re- 
inforcements — Perry resolves to sail with half-manned fleet — 
Difficulties of lifting vessels over bar — British fleet appears — 
Gunboats sent out to harass them — The batteries remounted — 
Enemy disappears — Letter of Perry to General Harrison — Fleet 
sails in pursuit of enemy — Returns to Erie to take on supplies 
for army — Reinforcements under Elliott on way — Schooner Ariel 
brings them up — Distribution of seamen — Chauncey's letter to 
Perry — Considers it insulting and resigns command — Letter to 
secretary of navy — Chauncey keeps back marines — Reply of 
secretary of the navy — Chauncey urges Perry to remain. 

CHAPTER VII 
Preparing for Battle with the British Fleet 
Sails from Erie — Order of sailing — Arrives off Sandusky 
Bay — Meeting with General Harrison — Put-in Bay his ren- 
dezvous—Discovers British fleet at Maiden — Sickness in the 
fleet — General Harrison sends Kentucky volunteers — Recovers 
from fever- Sails for Maiden — Plan of attack — Sails for San- 
dusky Bay — Communicates with Harrison — British suffer from 
want of provisions — Strength of Barclay's fleet — Effective 
strength of Perry's fleet — Exercise of crews in seamanship and 
gunnery- Final instructions — Shows battle flag. 

(2) 



The Battle of Lake Erie 

Barclay sails from Maiden — Perry goes out to meet him — 
Wind changes — Enemy hoves to in line of battle — Perry raises 
battle flag — Encourages men — Beginning of the conflict — Perry 
at disadvantage — The Niagara keeps out of carronade range — The 
Queen Charlotte attacks the Lawrence — Terrible carnage thereon — 
Scenes of bravery — The Lawrence disabled — Bravery of Turner — 
Perry transfers flag to Niagara — Flag of Lawrence lowered — 
Perry bears down to cut British line — Broadsides right and left — 
Terrible loss on Detroit — Gunboats get into the action — Raking 
the enemy — The enemy surrenders — Announcing the victory — 
Receives formal surrender on Lawrence — Dead consigned to the 
deep — Sidelights on the battle. 

CHAPTER IX 
Events After the Battle 

American losses — Humane efforts of Dr. Parsons — Perry 
visits Barclay — His solicitude for wounded officer — Losses to 
British — Sails for Put-in Bay — Burial of dead officers — Official 
report of battle — Shields Elliott from censure — Transcript from 
log of Lawrence — Barclay's official report — Movements of Niagara 
condemned — Elliott asks for letter of approbation — Perry gives 
it — Proves great error of his life. 

CHAPTER X 
Following Up the Campaign on Land 

Results of Perry's victory — Great rejoicing — Movement of 
army to Put-in Bay — Landed on Canadian shore — Maiden evac- 
uated and destroyed — Tecumsed opposed to retreating — Pursuit 
of the enemy to Sandwich — Reoccupation of Detroit — Indians 
make peace — Advance up the Thames — Perry volunteers services 
with General Harrison — Enthusiastic reception in the army — 
Procter overtaken — Draws up line of battle — Nature of the 
ground — Charge of the mounted Kentuckians — Capture of enemy 
in front — Shelby saves regiment on left — Indians driven away — 
Bravery of Colonel Johnson — Death of Tecumseh — Escape of 
Procter — Results of victory. 

CHAPTER XI 
Reaping the Rewards of Victory 

Perry sails for Detroit — Joint proclamation — Learns of glory 
won — Letter of secretary of the navy — Advanced to rank of 
post-captain — Sails for Put-in Bay — Notifies Barclay of parole — 

(3) 



Reception at Erie — Elliott neglected — Meeting with Elliott — 
Sails for Buffalo — Turns over command — Barclay presents sex- 
tant to Perry — Continues homeward — Reception at towns on 
way — Arrives at Newport — Festivities there — Invitations to at- 
tend celebrations — Prize money granted for captured fleet — Perry 
goes to Washington — Reception at all cities he visits — Resolu- 
tions of state legislatures. 

CHAPTER XII 
Resuming Command on the Sea 

Reception at Boston — Affair of the Ximrod — Commands the 
Java — Burning of Washington — Commands battery on the Poto- 
mac — Attack on Baltimore — Appointed to flying squadron — Al- 
gerine hostilities — Declaration of war — Decatur makes peace — 
Perry resumes command of the Java — Sails for New York ^ 
Ordered to the Mediterranean — Boisterous passage — Calls at 
Algiers — Threatened hostilities — Perry interviews the Dey — 
Pacific termination — Arrival of Commodore Chauncey — Diffi- 
culty with Heath — Lieutenant Forrest rescued — New treaty with 
Algiers — Java ordered home with it — Treatment of sick sailors — 
Arrival at Newport — Tributes of esteem from officers. 

CHAPTER XIII 

Renewed Difficulties vdth Heath and Elliott 

Employed in surveys — Revival of difficulty with Heath — 
Assailed by the press — Supported by friends — Complimentary 
appointment by the president — Heath takes action — Perry's 
letter to Decatur — Heath appears in Rhode Island — Is arrested 
and driven from state — Perry goes to New York to meet him — 
The duel — Elliott vents his malice — Correspondence between 
them — Elliott challenges Perry — Refusal to meet him — Prefers 
charges against Elliott — Asks for court martial thereon — Charges 
not acted upon. Reasons therefor. 

CHAPTER XIV 
His Last Cruise 
Perry called to Washington — Tendered delicate diplomatic 
mission — Instructions from department of state — Boards the John 
Adams — Sails for the Orinoco — Discomforts of the journey — Ar- 
rival at Angostura — Negotiations — Sickness on the schooner — 
Unfavorable feeling — Perry's notes — Succeeds in mission — 
Dinner in his honor — Leaves Angostura — Attacked by yellow 
fever — Struggle to reach his ship — Dies within sight of it — 
Burial at Port of Spain — Deep sorrow throughout United States 
— Family provided for — His character by intimate friend. 

(4) 



CHAPTER XV 

Memorials to His Honor 

Body removed to Newport — Monument erected there — Mem- 
orial at Gibralter Rock on site of his lookout — Monument at 
Cleveland dedicated in 1860 — Great celebration — Perry Victory 
Centennial in 1913 — History of the movement — Enthusiasm 
aroused — Aid of government — Memorial to be erected at Put-in 
Bay — Description of — Beauty of design — Celebrations in lake 
cities — Naval parades — Restoration of the old Niagara — Activity 
of commissioners. 

Bibliography 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Oliver Hazard Perry, from a rare portrait Frontispiece 

Commodore Perry's Birthplace , near South Kingston, R. I.... 5 

Perry's Lookout, on Gibralter Rock, Lake Erie ) 

V 119 
The Battle Flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship." ) 

The Battle of Lake Erie, from a rare engraving 132 

Perry Transferring His Flag to the Niagara 141 

The Niagara Breaking Through the British Line 146 

The Burial Scene of the American and British Officers 156 

The Charge of the Mounted Kentuckians, Battle of the Thames. 186 

Memorial Erected on Gibralter Rock, Lake Erie ) 

y 268 

The Famous Statute of Commodore Perry, by Walcutt... ) 
The Perry Memorial, Put-in Bay, Lake Erie 276 



OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

AND THE 

BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 



CHAPTER I 

His Ancestry and Boyhood 

ALL persons, while living, possess some influence 
A% Avliich extends beyond themselves, and are in 
some way useful to others. Certain persons are 
so eminently distinguished for talents and good works 
that the limit of their influence is extended beyond their 
lives, and there are a few whose usefulness does not cease 
with their existence. Their example is consecrated by 
death and rendered sacred in its influence, forming a 
mantle of inspiration which exalts the mind, elevates 
the views, and gives to ambition its proper course. But 
how rare are the characters who by a single great event, 
in which everything seemed to flow from their personal 
prowess, have determined the destiny of the nation, and 
embossed their names upon the pages of history. In 
the deeds of the great American naval commanders, 
Jones, Perry, Farragut, and Dewey, the trait of initi- 
ative and executive talent, coupled with a high sense of 
efficiency, were most conspicuous. To these qualities 
the Hero of Erie added a generous humanity to a con- 
quered and suffering foe, and won the lasting admiration 
of his countrymen. 

A study of the ancestry of Oliver Hazard Perry 
leaves no doubt, that he possessed the noblest traits of 
character and qualities of a high and commanding 

I 



3 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

nature, through the divine law of heredity. His paternal 
ancestor in the tiftli <;eneration, Edmund Perry, was 
born in Devonsliire, P^ugiand, about the year 1630. 
Brouglit up in the environment of high-minded gentle 
folk of honest and sturdy stock, he was a gentleman of 
education and refinement, and was gifted with con- 
siderable literary attainments. He was an influential 
mend)er and one of the public speakers of the Society 
of Friends, and became an object of persecution which 
was so rife during tlic domination of Cromwell, against 
tlie (^lakers. This eventually led to his emigration to 
Plymouth, in Massachusetts, about thirty years after 
the founding of tliat colony. 

But the persiH'utions which had driven him from his 
native land he found, raged with equal fury in th(^ 
colony in which he had taken refuge, and, in order to 
l>e able to worship his Creator according to the dictates 
of liis conscience, he was compelled to flee still farther 
from tlie haunts of civilized man. With others of his 
persuasion he at length found a haven in South Kings- 
ton, on the waters of Narragansett Bay. On tlie beauti- 
ful promontory, which is almost encircled by the 
Atlantic, Ivong Island Sound, and the bay, they formed 
their little settlement founded on the dictates of peace 
and good will to all. In this place there were none 
but Indians to (lis])ute their rights, and from whom 
they amicably accpiired their estates by purchase; in 
all their intercourse treating them with conciliation and 
kindness. The estate of the elder Perry remained in 
the possession of the family for succeeding generations, 
long after the advent of Oliver Hazard Perry; and the 
descendants of the ])eaceable Indians continued in the 
vicinity in a civilized state. It was a remarkable fact 
that one of these, a full-blood(Hl native of the Narra- 
gansett tribe, followed Commander Perry to Lake Erie, 
and fell in the desperate defense of the Lmorencc in 
the naval enixa^enient on that lake. 



HIS ANCESTRY AND BOYHOOD 3 

In the direct line of descendants, Freeman Perry, 
great-grandson of Edmund Perry, and grandfather of 
the naval hero, was born on the second of February, 
1732. At the age of twenty-four he married a daughter 
of Oliver Hazard, a gentleman of large property, of 
liberal education and cultivated tastes, who was a 
descendant of one of the original Quaker settlers of 
Narragansett. Society in Rhode Island at the time 
resembled that of Virginia, the soil being cultivated 
by slaves, and commerce created wealth, with its 
luxuries and refinements. Freeman Perry was educated 
in the law, in the practice of which profession he attained 
distinction, filling various offices of trust; and was a 
member of the Colonial Assembly and a judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. He died at the family home- 
stead in October, 1813, at the advanced age of eighty- 
two, having lived to witness the blaze of glory which 
surrounded his able descendant — his grandson — after 
his famous victory. 

The third son of this sturdy patriot, named Chris- 
topher Raymond, and father of Oliver Hazard Perry, 
was born on the fourth of December, 1761. Although 
still in his youth when the revolution broke out, he 
participated in the dangers and hardships of that trying 
period, in fighting the battles of his country, both on 
land and sea. He first served in a corps of volunteers 
from his native- town, called the Kingston Reds; and 
afterward entered before the mast in an American 
privateer, commanded by Captain Reed. Later, in the 
course of a cruise in the sloop-of-war Mifflin, in which 
he was second in command, he was captured and con- 
fined for three months on board the Jersey prison-ship, 
where he suffered all the liardships and studied barbar- 
ities by which the Britons sought to punish the colonists 
for cherishing the love of freedom and defending their 
liberties. At length he escaped, the emaciated victim 
of the contagion which swept through the ship, to 



4 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

recount the horrible story of British captivity. As soon 
as he had recovered liis health, with resentment against 
Euohuid quickened into fresh intensity by his terrible 
experience , he entered on board the United States man- 
of-war Tnimbull, commanded by Captain Nicholson; 
and was in the memorable enoaoement with the British 
ship Watt, of superior force, in which the enemy, having 
ninety-two killed and wounded and about to surrender, 
( scajx'd by the topmasts of the Trumbull, which were 
badly wounded by their lofty tiring, going by the board. 
This action was said to have been one of the severest 
of the war. 

V\Hm the conclusion of the revolution, in 1783, Chris- 
tojiher continued on the sea, and soon after made a 
voyage to Ireland as mate of a merchantman. On the 
return voyage to Philadelphia, among the passengers on 
board was a lady of Scotch descent, named Sarah Alex- 
ander, who was descended in a direct line from William 
Wallace. The acquaintance thus begun on the broad 
expanse of the ocean, soon developed into the romance 
of a strong attachment; and in October, 1784, they 
were married in Philadelphia. The sturdy young sailor- 
man, though as yet only twenty-three years of age, had 
liscu to the command of a merchant ship employed in 
the East India and other trade; and on this occasion 
he look leave from his ship for sutficient time to remove 
with his l>ridc to his old home in Narragansett. There 
they were joyously recei^'ed l»y Perry's extensive family 
circle, and the young wife was soon so comfortably 
settled in the old homestead as to be most favorably 
impres.scfl with the good people among whom her lot 
was now cast. The estate of Judge Perry, the captain's 
father, consisted of about two hundred acres, and the 
house sto(Ml at the base of a hill overlooking a wide 
extent of country interspersed by picturescpie lakes, with 
the waters of Narragansett separating it from the oppo- 
site shore of New])ort, and the broad Atlantic st retcliinu 




o 



O 



HIS ANCESTRY AND BOYHOOD 5 

far away to the southward. A short distance from the 
house was the old post road between New York and 
Boston, which in colonial days followed the circuitous 
line of the coast to be out of reach of Indian depreda- 
tions. In the neighboring wood were white stones which 
marked the graves of the Quaker, Edmund Perry, and 
several generations of his people. 

In these pleasant surroundings the young captain 
lingered for a brief period of retirement; but ere long 
resumed his voyages to many distant lands. His young 
wife, who was welcomed in his father's household as a 
beloved daughter, was exceedingly intelligent and well- 
informed as well as beautiful, and to a sweet and happy 
disposition she added a degree of force of mind and 
energy of character, which were brilliantly rellected in 
the eventful life of her first born son. This child, 
named after his great grandfather, Oliver Hazard, was 
born on the twenty-third of August, 1785. In early life 
he gave little promise of physical energy, being slender 
and feeble, and his health was extremely delicate. Yet 
he was of more than ordinary size, and it was supposed 
that his constitutional weakness was due in a great 
measure to the rapidity of his growth. His chief char- 
acteristics were an uncommon beauty of mind, a gentle- 
ness of disposition, and an utter disregard of danger. 
He knew no fear, a quality which was nobly exempli- 
fied throughout his life. 

In his childhood all strangers were friends in whom 
there could be no guile. An incident revealing his con- 
fiding and thoroughly courageous disposition is still pre- 
served in the family. When scarcely more than two 
years old, he was playing one day with an older child 
in the road in front of his grandfather's house. A horse- 
man was rapidly approaching when the older boy, seeing 
the danger, ran out of the way calling to Oliver to do 
the same. But the little fellow sat still until the horse 
was almost upon him when, as the man drew rein, he 



6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

looked up and lisped to him, "Man, you wud'nt wide 
over me, wud vuli." The horseman, who was a friend of 
the family, dismounted and carried Oliver into the house, 
where he related the occurrence with great interest, and 
with as much pride as if it had been his own child, 
ne thouo-ht the boy's conduct gave token of some very 
worthy <iualities. 

When yet in his babyhood Oliver was taught by his 
mother the letters and a few simple words, and it was 
not long before he could read quite well. At five years 
of age he was sent to school kept by a kind old man of 
the neighborhood, endowed with liberal acquirements, 
tliougli more noted for his goodness of heart and child- 
like simplicity. But the old master was notoriously 
lazy and insisted on holding sessions while reclining in 
his bed, around which the children stood to recite their 
lessons. As the school was at some distance from his 
home, Oliver used to take his cousins, who lived on 
an adjoining farm, to and from their lessons. They had 
no brother, and, although they were older than Oliver, 
were glad to accept his boyish protection in adventures 
on the road. No one thought it strange, as he was large 
for his years, and inspired a confidence in his manliness 
which was amply justified. From his earliest boyhood 
he seemed to exercise an influence over those who 
approached him, which was soon converted into affec- 
tionate regard by his gi-aceful manners, and by a dis- 
l)Iay of quiet firmness and calm self-composure. The 
distinction which he aftens'ard acquired excited no 
astonisliment among the friends of his youth; it seemed 
Init the realization of the promise Avhich his early years 
liad inspired. 

All aneedote, illustrative of his generous sympathy 
and the consistency of his character in boyhood and in 
maturer years, was often related by his mother. One 
day, when his father was home from the sea and was 
l)usy witli the accounts and ]iapers of a long voyage. 



HIS ANCESTRY AND BOYHOOD 7 

his little sister, who Avas about two years younger than 
himself, found a paper which had fallen from the table 
and tore it into pieces. When the paper, which was of 
some importance, was missed, the children were directed 
to search for it. Oliver soon recovered the fragments 
and handed them to his father; while the guilt of the 
little girl was manifest in her shame-faced air. His 
father, in the irritation of the moment, lifted his hand 
to inflict the usual trifling punishment, when Oliver 
rushed between them and, pushing his little sister aside, 
raised his arm to ward off the blow, saying in a firm, 
yet deprecating tone, "Oh, papa ! don't strike her." 
The captain was so impressed by this act that he was 
completely disarmed of the least resentment, and the 
little mischief-maker was at once received into his favor. 
The mother spoke of her son's manner of performing 
this act as being so protecting and kind towards his 
sister, and yet so firm, so earnest, and sO' respectful 
towards his father. It increased the affectionate con- 
fidence of the little girl in her brother ; and the parents 
ever after freely intrusted her, as well as their other 
children, to his guidance and protection. 

As Oliver grew and became proficient in his studies, 
he was placed in the school at Tower Hill, about four 
miles from his home; but neither he nor his cousins, 
who accompanied him back and forth, thought anything 
of the long tramp through the woods, over the hills, and 
across the fields. The master of this school, called "Old 
Master Kelly," was so old that he had once taught 
Oliver's grandfather; but he was not lazy, and it is 
recorded that he was never known to have lost his 
temper. While Oliver was attending this school the old 
man was obliged to retire from sheer physical incapacity, 
and a Mr. Southworth was engaged in his stead. He 
also was an excellent teacher and kind to his pupils. 
Both Oliver and his cousins afterward referred to the 
period under his tuition, as the happiest of their school 



8 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

days, and recalled with evident pleasure their wayside 
adventures in their daily rambles. After a year or two 
their teacher left the neighborhood, and Oliver's uncle 
lu-ocured the services of a Mr. Bryer, a Scotchman of 
education and talents, to tutor the children. The 
teacher resided in the Perry family, and, as Oliver also 
had the benetit of his instruction, he, too, lived for 
awhile with them. 

Meanwhile, Captain Perry, having made many 
successful voyages to Europe and South America, as 
well as to the East Indies, found himself in possession 
of a snug fortune. His income for those times was 
large, and he was amply able to provide better scliool- 
iug f(»r his children, amounting now to four, than the 
country district afforded. About 1794 he therefore 
removed his family to Newport, where Oliver was placed 
in the school of ^Ir. Frazer. Under the careful and 
judicious instruction of this teacher, the boy made 
more rapid progress in all his studies. The relaxed dis- 
cipline, however, of the rural school furnished but a 
poor preparation for the stern rule w^hich the master 
found necessary to exercise among his more numerous 
pupils. For some trifling violation of the strict rules, 
Oliver one day received a sharp blow on the head from 
a hea\'y ferule hurled by the schoolmaster, in an uncon- 
trollable fit of passion, such as he had often given way 
to. This violent chastisement was too much for the 
proud and iiigh-spirited boy, who had been brought up 
upon the principle of brotherly love, and, seizing his 
hat, without asking leave, he at once went home; and 
in telling his nu)th(T of the affair said that ''he could 
iirr< y niter tlidf scliool nqaiu:' 

-Mthough his mother was possessed of strong feel- 
ings, ;nid was indignant at the treatment of her boy, 
she was not much edified by his declaration that he 
would not return to school, nor dispostnl to yield to it. 
So she ma<le no reply but (juietly bound up his wound 



HIS ANCESTRY AND BOYHOOD 9 

and sootlied him with her motherly solicitude. She was 
too sensible to withdraw him from the authority of Mr, 
Frazer, even though he had abused it, as she wisely 
reflected if she yielded to Oliver's determination in this 
instance, he would likely expect the same indulgence 
whenever he felt discontented from motives less well- 
founded, and might weaken her control over him. She 
therefore wrote a note to the schoolmaster, in which she 
expressed her indignation at the outrage upon her boy, 
stated the motives which led her to keep him in the 
school, and concluded with the hope that her renewed 
confidence in the schoolmaster would not be violated. 
The next morning, at the usual hour for going to school, 
she called to Oliver, as if she knew nothing of his 
resolve, handed him the note and told him she did not 
think he would be mistreated again. The proud spirit 
of the boy was stirred to its depths, his lip quivered, 
and tears came to his eyes; but he started off without 
a word, as the thought of disobeying his mother never 
entered his head. During the lifetime of this noble 
exemplar of womanhood, she reared five sons, all of 
whom entered the naval service of their country, having 
been fitted to command others by learning themselves 
thus early to obey. 

The schoolmaster, meanwhile, had become conscious 
of his own culpable violence and want of control, and, 
being a man of generous feelings, he keenly regretted 
the incident and resolved to atone for it. He appre- 
ciated the good sense and magnanimity displayed by 
Mrs. Perry, and henceforth devoted himself untiringly 
to Oliver's improvement, becoming thereby w^armly 
attached to the boy, and winning in return his confi- 
dence and friendship. Newport was then a commercial 
port of some importance, and, as many of the older boys 
in the school intended to follow a seafaring life, Mr. 
Frazer had an evening class in which he taught the 
application of mathematics to navigation and nautical 



lO OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

astronomy. In initiating Oliver into these sciences he 
took great pleasure; and between school hours and on 
holidays he was wont to take him to the beach, where 
a horizon could be obtained for astronomic observations, 
in order to render his lessons of the utmost practical 
value. When Oliver left the school the master re- 
marked, with much satisfaction and pride, that he was 
the best young navigator in Rhode Island. 

During his boyhood years passed in Newport, his 
manliness, his modesty, and the gentleness of his de- 
meanor, won him many true friends. Among these to 
Ix' attracted by his bearing was Count Rochambeau, son 
of the distinguished general who commanded the French 
auxiliary army during our war with England, having 
been driven from his native country by the terrors of 
the Revolution. This nobleman had found a residence 
in Newport very attractive, as many of the inhabitants 
were wealthy and highly educated, and the tone of 
society was elegant and intellectual. Notwithstanding 
Oliver's extreme youth, his pleasing manners and 
amiabilit}- soon converted the attraction to his person 
into a sincere friendship. The Count frequently in- 
vited him to dine in company with older friends; and, 
upon leaving Newport, he presented him with a little 
watch of fine workmanship as a token of his regard. 

In 179G, shortly after Oliver had entered upon his 
twelfth year, Bishop Seabury came to Newport to con- 
firm the young members of the Cliurch. It was thought 
til at tlie boy had not reached an age of discretion, in 
wliicli be could fully appreciate that solemn rite; but 
tlie bishop, luMug greatly pleased with his manners and 
seriousness of his conversation, requested that he might 
be presented for confirmation of his early vows. After 
tlie ceremony, when about to take leave of Oliver's 
parents, the bishop, who was impressed by the evident 
depth of the boy's mind, solemnly laid his hands on his 
head and blessed him in a nmnner so emphatic, that 



HIS ANCESTRY AND BOYHOOD ii 

an impression was conveyed to his mother that the 
blessing had been heard and answered, and would follow 
him through life. 

The following year Captain Perry retired from the 
sea and moved his family to the Village of Westerly, in 
another part of the state. Oliver's education, due to 
his diligence in his studies under the tutorage of Mr. 
Frazer, was unusually advanced for his years, and, as 
he had acquired an unbounded fondness for books, his 
mind was stocked with a liberal share of general infor- 
mation. As books of a frivolous nature were not so 
abundant or widely distributed as now, his reading was 
confined to Plutarch, Shakespeare, the Spectator, and 
works of similar character, intended to instruct and 
elevate the mind. 

In the early part of 1798 the relations of the United 
States with France began to assume a hostile character, 
owing to a false construction of the alliance entered 
into during the war of independence. The unprin- 
cipled government of France was provoked by the 
cautious neutrality of the United States, and sought to 
involve them in the war as allies by infringing their 
neutrality and complicating their relations with Eng- 
land. The representative of France even undertook to 
fit out privateers in the United States to cruise against 
British commerce, and actually succeeded in sending 
several vessels to sea, which captured the enemy's mer- 
chantmen on the American coasts ; and soon after seized 
our own merchant ships within our navigable waters. 
As there was no ready redress for these aggravated 
grievances. Congress authorized the president to pur- 
chase, hire, or build twelve ships of war, of not more 
than twenty guns each, which were to be added to the 
six frigates then constituting the navy. Only three of 
these frigates, the United states, the Constitutioyi, and 
the Constellation, were then launched; but soon after 
authority was given for the purchase of twelve addi- 



12 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

tional ships to carry from eighteen to thirty-two gnns. 
A separate department was then created to attend to 
the affairs of the juvenile navy, which hitherto had been 
under the control of the war department; and Ben- 
jamin Stoddert was duly appointed the first secretary 
of the navy under the Federal Constitution. The com- 
manders of the ships of war were instructed to capture 
any French cruisers that might be found on our coasts, 
and recapture any American ships which might have 
been seized by them. Such was the origin of the diffi- 
culties known as the French disturbances. 

At the first outbreak of hostilities with the nation 
which had so grossly trampled on the commercial rights 
of his country, Captain Perry was prompted to offer 
his services in the marine thus created. By the earnest 
solicitations of influential friends in Rhode Island, the 
president was induced to at once direct that a commis- 
sion of post-captaiu in the navy be issued to him; and 
this was dated the seventh of June, 1798. Two days 
after, tlie secretary of the treasury forwarded instruc- 
tions to ^Ir. George Champlin, of Newport, to procure 
such a ship as Captain Perry should approve of. But 
no ship suitabk^ for the purposes of war could be 
found, and it was decided to lay down such a vessel 
at Warren, in Rliode Island, in the vicinity of which 
sliip timber abounded. Captain Perry at once repaired 
to Warren to superintend the construction of the new 
ship, wliich was to be named General Greene, after one 
of ilic distinguished sons of Rhode Island. 

As Mrs. Perry liad accompanied her luisband to 
Warren, Oliver, who was then almost thirteen years 
f»hl, was left in entire charge of the family. He attended 
to the houshold purchases, looked after his sister and 
younger brotliers, and kept liis mother informed of all 
that was passing. In these new duties and responsi- 
bilities he received from his younger brotliers and the 
servants the un(iualified obedience which they were 



HIS ANCESTRY AND BOYHOOD 13 

accustomed to manifest toward his parents. Yet, while 
conducting the affairs of the family with prudence and 
regularity, he was still a, boy, with all the tastes and 
aspirations of the American youth. At this period his 
favorite amusement was sailing boats and planks on 
the shallow waters of the Pawcatuck, near his home. 
It is recorded by one of his school-fellows and play- 
mates in Westerly, that the only time he ever saw 
Oliver really angry was in one of their friendly con- 
tests on the river, when they were representing a sea 
engagement. Oliver's raft happened to be run down 
by that of his play-mate, who was the opposing admiral, 
when Oliver's rage became ungovernable, and for a 
minute or two was anxious for an actual set-to, to re- 
cover the lost advantage of the day. His closest com- 
panions at this time were his brother Raymond and his 
cousin, George Perry, who then lived in this family, 
and with them he joined in games of ball with the 
greatest avidity and activity. His sisters afterward re- 
marked that they observed with pleasure that the con- 
trol which Oliver so early exercised over others in their 
games was owing to his calmness, gentleness, and habits 
of self-command, rather than to any undue assumption 
of manhood. 

While thus occupied with manly duties and boyish 
pleasures, Oliver was seriously meditating the plan of 
his future life. Some time before, he liad formed a 
high regard for the profession of arms which, no doubt, 
was fanned into a strong desire for service by the devout 
patriotism of his mother. Although Protestants and of 
Scotch descent, the friends of her girlhood had been 
involved in the Irish rebellion ; and she had experienced, 
in the accounts which she had lieard of skirmishes and 
battles in their neighborhood, a lively enthusiasm in the 
cause of liberty. The achievements of her countrymen, 
whom she insisted were the bravest people in the world, 
she recounted over and again to Oliver who was fasci- 



14 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

nated by deeds of valor, and his mind was fired for 
active service in the defense of his country. Having 
been born almost on the shore of the Atlantic, and 
having spent his early boyhood with water and ships 
constantly in sioht, he had also formed a liking for 
such pursuits, and, coupled with the influence of his 
father's connection with seamen and a seafaring life, 
his young mind was filled with the romance of the sea. 
It was but natural, therefore, with his strong desire for 
military service blended with his craving for the sea, 
that he should have wanted to folloAV the calling of his 
father in the established navy of his country. 

The commencement of hostilities with France, and 
his father receiving his commission as post-captain in 
the navy, provided the means of gratifying Oliver's de- 
sire for service, which was prompted by his double tastes 
for war and for the sea. Shortly after his thirteenth 
birthday, he therefore wrote to his father asking leave 
to enter the navy. Before deciding the matter his father 
requested him to state the motives which influenced him 
in liis choice of a life occupation. This he did in detail, 
and tlie good reasons that were given, and the motives 
and manly terms in which they were expressed, made a 
deep iin])ression on his father and also on those who 
read liis Ictlcr. It is to be sincerely regretted that this 
letter, as well as others relating to the youth of Oliver, 
have not withstood the tootli of time. Of what interest 
it would be to know, after a lai)se of more than a 
century, how far the motives with which the boy entered 
upon his life profession were borne out by the actual 
results, and of the comparison of his hopes vWth their 
fulfillment. Would not a comparison prove a youthful 
air castle ex])('llod by the splend(U* of the real structure, 
and aspirations for gloi*v outdone bv the realitv? 



CHAPTER II 
Oliver as a Midshipman 

DURING the fall and winter of 1798 the work of 
building the new ship-of-war, under the supervi- 
sion of Captain Perry, proceeded with diligence ; 
and in the spring it was launched and soon made ready 
for sea. The General Greene was a trim and fast-sailing 
frigate, mounting about thirty-six guns ; and the officers 
were appointed chiefly from Rhode Island, the selection 
being intrusted by the secretarj^ of the navy to Captain 
Perry. Upon receiving, therefore, the letter from 
Oliver, stating his reasons for wanting to enter the navy 
of his country, the father decided, with the consent of 
Mrs. Perry, to accede to the boy's desire. As no further 
difficulty was encountered, Oliver's name was placed on 
the list of midshipmen to fill stations on board the 
General Greene; and in April, 1799, he received his war- 
rant and orders to report for duty. Soon after, the 
captain removed his family from Westerly to Tower 
Hill, in order that they might be near his relatives 
during his absence at sea. Oliver then bid farewell of 
his mother and the companions of his childhood, and 
embarked with his father on board the new frigate, for 
the commencement of his naval career. 

The first cruise of the General Greene was to the 
Island of Cuba. In the West India waters the French 
cruisers mostly abounded, and it was there that Amer- 
ican commerce had suffered most severely from their 
depredations. For several weeks the frigate was 
engaged in convoying merchant vessels flying the Stars 
and Stripes, from Havana to our southern ports. Early 

15 



1 6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

in tlie siiinmer several cases of yellow fever broke out 
on the ship, and Captain Perry was compelled to quit 
the Cuban coast and proceed to the north, in order to 
check the procuress of tlie dread disease. Sailing far out 
to sea lie laid his course for the northern coasts and 
arrived at Newport toward the close of July. 

^^'Ilile liis father was occupied in refitting the ship 
and devoting himself to restoring the health of his crew, 
Oliver remained at home where he was a personage of 
great importance in tlie eyes of his younger brothers 
and sisters. It is related that they often went forth 
early in the morning to pick berries for his breakfast, 
while the dew was still on them, and that they followed 
the young sailor boy in all his rambles with devoted 
affection. His ])right uniform and jaunty, confident 
inaiiner created a feeling of awe among them and the 
cliildrc^n of the neighborhood, who liked nothing better 
than to tramp with him through the woods and across 
tlie fields. They would sit by his side for hours fasci- 
nated by his stories of adventure in southern climes, 
or listen to the simple melodies of childhood played on 
the fiute, an accomplishment which he had picked up on 
shipboard. 

Early in the autumn the health of the crew of the 
(jcneral (Jrcciic was completely restored, and Captain 
Perry soon resumed his station otf Havana, where he 
was exceedingly useful in convoying our vessels bound 
cillKM' through the Bahama Channel or into the Gulf. 
Al about this time, however, the disturbed conditions 
in St. Domingo, where a revolution then existed, encour- 
aged the i)ira<-ies being committed on our commerce by 
tin* negro chieftain Rigaud, and our government was 
forced to take action against him. He was seeking to 
establish a rival power to that of General Toussaint, 
who commanded the military forces of France in the 
island; and for protection of American interests the 
dcmrdl (I'rrciic was soon after dispatched to those 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 17 

waters. The fi'igate was then placed under the orders* 
of Commodore Talbot, who had been sent there in the 
Constitution, a frigate of forty-four guns. Captain 
Perry was thereupon directed to cruise around the island 
keeping a close watch of the shores, in order to be of 
the utmost protection to American merchantmen which 
might be in those parts. He arrived at Cape Francois 
early in October, and was informed by our consul- 
general in St. Domingo of the state of affairs in the 
island. This official also pointed out the difficulties in 
the way and suggested the means by which our com- 
merce might be protected. 

It had been the policy of the British and American 
consuls, during the civil war then raging on the island, 
to grant passports to the cruisers fitted out by Toussaint, 
whose upright and honorable character inspired their 
confidence. This had exempted the cruisers from 
capture by the ships of these nations, although they 
owned the allegiance of France and bore the French 
flag. The government of the United States had 
approved of this course, and Captain Perry was in- 
structed not to disturb these cruisers while engaged in 
defending the coasts of the island against the barges of 
Rigaud, and to aid Toussaint in putting down the naval 
forces of the rebels. On the ninth of February, 1800, 
while cruising off Cape Tiburon, a number of Rigaud's 
barges were discovered at anchor under the protection 
of three forts on the coast. Captain Perry at once 
stood in, and, after a spirited bombardment of the forts 
for about thirty minutes, they were silenced with a 
loss to them of a number of killed and wounded, the 
General Greene, meanwhile, receiving only a few shots 
in her hull and rigging. When about to take possession 
of the gun vessels lying at anchor, a large frigate was 
seen in the offing; and, in order to avoid being caught 
between two fires, the captain got the ship under way 
and stood for the strange sail, which, after a short 



i8 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

cliase, proved to he a captured French vessel in the 
service of England. 

Soon after this incident Toussaint sent an urgent 
request to Captain Perry that he proceed with his ship 
off the ])ort of Ja(]ueniel, which was then under siege by 
his forces. This port was a stronghold of Rigaud, into 
whicli liis cruisers brought their prizes, and Captain 
I'erry, believing that he could be of aid there, at once 
complied. lie not only maintained a strict blockade of 
the ])(Ht and intercepted the entry of supplies and pro- 
visions, but also took an active part in the siege. By 
the tire of the (icncral Greene the enemy at length 
abandoned their strongest position, which led to the 
surrender of the garrison numbering five thousand men. 
The success of these operations was attributed by Tous- 
saint wholly to the efficient co-operation of Captain 
Perry, who received his sincere thanks with assurance 
of his "determination to extend his friendship and pro- 
tection, on all occasions, to the citizens of the United 
States," a promise which he ever faithfully observed. 

Continuing his cruise around the Island of St. 
Domingo, Captain Perry arrived early in April at Cape 
Franeois, the i)ort from which he had set forth. There 
he rejoined the f(u*ce under the command of Commo- 
dore Talbot. After being relieved by him of twenty- 
four of his best Rhode Island seamen, who had enlisted 
in his command fully expecting that they were to re- 
main on the (IciH'niI dnene and return to Newport, he 
was directed, under orders of the secretary of the navy, 
to jn'oceed with his ship to the mouth of the Missis- 
sipjti. He immediately sailed on this service and 
arrived off the river about the twentieth of April, where 
he received on board General Wilkinson and his family 
for conveyance to a northern port. On the tenth of 
May he sailed for Newjiort, giving c(mvoy by the way 
to an American brig bound for Havana. ^Vhen off 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 19 

that port an incident occurred which showed the mettle 
of Captain Perry, and gave Oliver his first lesson in 
naval honor. 

Upon approaching- the harbor a British line-of-battle 
ship, which lay off the entrance, fired a shot across the 
bow of the merchantman to bring her to. The brig, 
however, under instructions from Captain Perry, paid 
no heed to the hostile summons, but continued on her 
course. The wind being light and uncertain the com- 
mander of the Britisher thereupon dispatched a boat 
to board the brig, for the purpose of examining her 
manifests, but a carefully aimed shot from the General 
Greene placed between the brig and the boat brought 
the latter alongside. The line-of-battle ship at the same 
time bore down, and her commander hailed Captain 
Perry to demand in no uncertain tone why his boat had 
been fired on. "To prevent her from boarding the 
American brig which is under my convoy and protec- 
tion," the captain promptly replied. This brought the 
rejoiner that it was very strange that one of his majesty's 
seventy-four gun ships could not board an American 
brig. "If she were a first-rate ship with her hundred 
and twenty guns,'' replied Captain Perry in thundering 
tones, "she should not do so to the dishonor of my flag." 
Thus, in a few words he expressed the whole principle 
and profession of naval honor, which was creditable 
alike to him, his fellow officers in the service, and to 
the future renown of his son. 

The foregoing incidents, relating to the protection 
afforded our merchant marine in those days, serve to 
illustrate the spirit of daring, the promptitude of action, 
and the high sense of national honor, which has charac- 
terized the American navy. It was a thorough school 
of hard and practical experience in which Oliver Hazard 
Perry received his early naval training, a school in 
which the lessons of warfare and naval honor were 
taught by example as well as by precept. Although the 



20 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

son of the commander, he had taken his place among 
the otlier midshipmen naturally and without the least 
assumption, and he saw no more of his father than did 
the others of his grade. But he was diligent in his 
studies, attentive to his instructors, and soon became 
the leader in performing the active duties of his station. 
One of the duties in the daily routine of ship life, for 
practice in agility and steadiness of head, was to lay 
over the maintop by scampering up the shrouds on one 
side and falling back to the deck on the other side. 
This exercise was often repeated several times. The 
hardy life of the sea was beginning to have a salutary 
effect on Oliver; his muscles were becoming developed 
and liard, his shoulders and chest were broadening, and 
his face was rounding out, indicating a robust state of 
health and strength. Before the end of the cruise he 
was a very different looking lad than when he began 
his naval career, a fact which his father noticed with 
satisfaction. He believed there was the making of an 
officer in his son, and often his eye lightened with 
pleasure and pride as a junior officer spoke well and 
complimentarily of him. As for Oliver, his admiration 
and affection for his father increased daily, and, in his 
boyish estimates of men, he came to believe that with 
his good and brave father in command, no enemy, how- 
ever powerful, could ever take the ship, no storm, how- 
ever violent, would overwhelm her, nor misfortune, how- 
ever threatening, would overtake them. 

Proceeding northward without further adventure 
the General Greene arrived at Newport toward the close 
of May, 1800. The southern cruise was thus terminated, 
and Captain Perry was instructed to pay off his crew, 
retaining in service only such a number as might be 
necHled to take care of the sliip while undergoing repairs. 
As the public services of the General Greene had been 
too iin])()rtniit to admit of the ship being kept out of 
commission for any kmgth of time, the secretary of the 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 21 

navy urged the captain to hasten the necessary work of 
making: repairs and re-equipment for sea, advising him 
wlien the ship should be readj^ to receive her crew, in 
order that the usual orders might be given for recruit- 
ing it. 

At about this time an adjustment of our difficulties 
with France began to assume the appearance of amicable 
settlement. For this reason there seemed to be no need 
of increasing our naval force abroad, as had been con- 
templated, and the sailing of the General Greene was 
delayed from week to week. Early in 1801 the treaty 
agreed upon in Paris was ratified by the Senate of the 
United States; and, with the change of administration 
which occurred shortly after, it was determined to 
reduce the small navy to about its status when the 
difficulties Avith France had made necessary its increase. 
The ships of all rates were accordingly reduced in 
number from forty-two to thirteen. This policy of Mr. 
Jefferson, which was owing, no doubt, to the state of 
the national finances, resulted in a wholesale discharge 
of officers and midshipmen. It is recorded that of 
forty-two i)ost-captains, many of whom had sacrificed 
their profitable pursuits to come forward in defense of 
their country's rights, only nine were retained in the 
service. Of the masters-commandant, next in rank, none 
remaining to serve their country in time of need, while 
of three hundred and fifty midshipmen more than one- 
half were dismissed. 

Among the large majority thus excluded from the 
service was Captain Perry, to whom the circumstance 
was not a little unpleasant. Although the announce- 
ment of dismissal by the secretary was couched in words 
well suited to sooth the annoyance thus created, he, 
with others of rank, must have regarded the reduction 
of the naval force as unfortunate, as affecting the per- 
manent welfare of the country. The order of dismissal 
was as follows : "The act providing for the peace estab- 



22 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

lislinient of the navy of the United States has imposed 
on the president a painful duty. It directs him to 
sehH't nine «;eutlemeu from among the captains of the 
navy of the United States, and to permit the remain- 
ing commanders to retire from public service with the 
advance of four month's extra pay. I have deemed it a 
duty, therefore, as early as possible to inform yoii, that 
you will be among those whose services, however re- 
luctantly, will be dispensed with. Permit me to assure 
you that the president has a just sense of the services 
rendered by you to your country, and that I am, Avith 
sentiments of respect, your most obedient servant." 
Fortunately for Oliver and his career of glory and honor, 
as well as for the added lustre of his country's flag, his 
name was among the one hundred and fifty midshipmen 
retained in the navy. 

The reduction of the navy to a peace footing had 
scarcely been ett'ected, before the unprotected state of 
our commerce, which extended over the civilized world, 
created new enemies for the United States. The 
troubles then confronting the young republic were with 
the piratical Barbary States, whose depredations cover- 
ing many years had wrought much damage and loss 
to its merchant marine. As incomprehensible as it 
may seem, the government had been so weak as to bribe 
the various regencies with presentations of arms and 
other goods, and in some instances with money, thus 
providing them with the very means by which the 
pirates might c(mtinue their hostile demonstrations 
against our commerce. On one occasion, the Dey of 
Algiers had cairicd his insolence so far that the govern- 
iiienl had tamely suffered one of its vessels of war to 
be impressed in the degrading task of carrying tribute 
of the dey to a third power; and afterward had agreed 
to i>ay tribute to the Bey of Tunis. This proceeding 
soon aroused the Bashaw of Tripoli, who, after setting 
f«irlli I he various grievances that he fancied he had 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 23 

suffered from the United States, demanded of the Amer- 
ican consul a present of money, with a threat of com- 
mencing hostilities against American commerce if the 
sum was not forthcoming- within six months. 

The government and the people, however, encour- 
aged by the recent success of the American navy in the 
struggle with France, resisted this insolent demand, and 
at once began refitting the dismantled ships and pre- 
paring them for sea. Late in the summer of 1801, 
Commodore Dale set sail for the Mediterranean with 
the frigates President, Philadelphia, and Essex, and the 
schooner Enterprise. Upon arrival there he found that 
the bashaw, in fulfillment of his threat, had caused the 
flagstaff of the American consulate to be cut down, an 
act which, with those piratical people, was a solemn 
declaration of war. But the commodore's orders con- 
fined him to defensive tactics, and the most he could 
do was to blockade the Tripolitan cruisers in their own 
ports and elsewhere they might be found. These oper- 
ations had the desired effect, however, of leaving the 
merchant marine nearly free from the danger of despoli- 
ation; and only one encounter occurred on the sea. It 
was between the Enterprise, of thirteen guns, and the 
Tripoli, of fourteen guns, and lasted for three hours 
when the latter, having fifty of her crew killed or 
wounded, was captured and disarmed. 

After a little more than a year of inactive service, 
Oliver Perry early in 1802, to his great delight, was 
ordered to the frigate Adams which lay in the harbor of 
Newport. This vessel was commanded by Captain 
Hugh G. Campbell, and sailed in June for the Mediter- 
ranean to join the new squadron, consisting of the 
Chesapeake, Constellation, Neto York, and John Adams, 
and the schooner Enterprise, under the command of 
Commodore Richard V. Morris, The Adams arrived at 
Gibralter about the middle of July, and, after a short 
cruise to Malaga with a convoy, was stationed at 



24 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Oibralter to keep the two Tripolitaii cruisers, with the 
admiral of their iiavY on board of one of them, safely 
bottled in port. There they remained for an indefinite 
period, during which the other vessels of the fleet were 
enjiaiied in convoying American merchantmen to and 
from ports in the Mediterranean. 

While cm this service the long and wearisome duty 
was relieved for Oliver by one redeeming circumstance, 
(^n the twenty-third of August, 1802 — his seventeenth 
l)irthday — he was promoted to an acting lieutenant, an 
event in his life which must have filled him with joy. 
Soon after, to the satisfaction of all on board, the 
A (hi Ills was ordered to lift the blockade and proceed 
up the Mediterranean with a convoy of ten merchant 
sliips. In touching at Malaga, Alicant, and Barcelona, 
ill Spain, and later with the remainder of the convoy, at 
Ix?ghorn and Naples, Oliver seized the opportunity thus 
afforded, by the indulgence of his captain, to see some- 
thing of these ports. He was enabled, with other 
officers, to make short excursions to points of interest 
in the vicinity of these places, from which he derived 
lM)th ])leasure and instruction. Afterward they rejoined 
the commodore at Malta, from which port the whole 
squadron eventually sailed for Tripoli, for the purpose 
of beginning active operations against the freebooters. 

Ill the month of May, 1803, as the squadron 
a])proa('hed fliis port a number of small barges were dis- 
covered making for the harbor, under the protection of 
a flotilla of gunboats. In the chase which immediately 
ensued, the barges were cut off from the port, but they 
succeeded in entering a small harbor at one side, the 
gunboats, meanwhile, escaping along the shore and get- 
ting within the mole under cover of the batteries. The 
barges, being small, were quickly unloaded of grain, 
which composed their cargcx's, and were drawn up on 
the beach, while breastworks were thrown up for their 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 25 

defense. In addition to these preparations for a siege, 
a large stone building near by was hastily fortified and 
filled with soldiery. 

On the following morning Lieutenant David Porter, 
with a strong force from all the ships, pulled gallantly 
into the small harbor, and, under a heavy fire of 
musketry from the shore, succeeded in reaching the 
barges on the beach and firing them. During the few 
minutes thus engaged they were so close to the enemy 
that the unarmed rabble in the rear of the combatants 
assailed them with stones; but they drew off in good 
order and reached the ships with a loss of twelve killed 
and wounded, among the latter being the brave Porter 
who had led them. Although there is no positive record 
extant that can be verified of Oliver Perry taking part 
in this daring exploit, his rank as a young lieutenant 
and his heroic spirit make it extremely unlikely that he 
was absent from the scene of danger. 

Shortly after this occurrence, the commodore made 
an effort to arrange the difficulties with these barbar- 
ians by negotiation ; but, as they had no very formidable 
idea of our naval power, all overtures were rejected with 
added insult. He thereupon established a rigid block- 
ade of the port with the John Adams, commanded by 
Captain Eodgers, the Adams, commanded by Captain 
Campbell, and the Enterprise, by Lieutenant Isaac Hull, 
and sailed himself for Malta. There he learned of re- 
newed activities against the American commerce by the 
Algerians and Tunisians, and deemed it expedient to 
raise the blockade of Tripoli and collect the vessels of 
his squadron at Malta, for operations against them. In 
the subsequent movements the Adams cruised down the 
Barbary side of the Mediterranean, and eventually re- 
joined the squadron at Gibralter. Commodore Morris 
was soon after recalled, when Captain Rodgers hoisted 
his flag on the New York, and Captain Campbell re- 



26 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

placed tlijit otficer on the John Adams, the commodore 
sailin<: for the T'nited States on tlie Adftins, wliere they 
arrived at the ch)se of Novendjer, 1S03. 

The lonj? cruise havinp: ended, the young lieutenant, 
Oliver Perry, after an absence of a year and a half, in 
which he had witnessed some stirring scenes of daring 
and valor, returned to his home and friends. He had 
fornuMl the habit of studious thought and reading for 
the imj)rovement of his mind, and now devoted himself 
to advanced courses in mathenuitics and astronomy. It 
was said by those who remembered him at this period 
that he was (juick and excitable in temper, though not 
disi)osed to unjust itieil anger, nor implacable in his re- 
sentments. To the friends to whom he was devotedly 
attached he was ever faithful and generous, and ready 
to go to any length to serve them. In conversation he 
ai)peared exceedingly well, and his well-timed remarks 
were enhanced by the absence of all pretensions. He 
was fond of the society of good women, of whose char- 
acter he Imd a nice sense of honor, and frowned on 
any who trifled with their affections. To these culti- 
vated and retined tastes he added a liking for horses, to 
which he had l>een accustomed from his earliest child- 
hood, lie was a fearless and well-]>oised rider, and on 
shore he always possessed one of the finest specimens 
to be foiiiKl. W'liih' verging from youth to manliood, 
it was said of him th:it lie ])layed an adiniral)le game 
of billiai'ds, fenced dexterously, and was generally skil- 
ful in 1 lie use of arms. 

While thus enjoying for a season the diversions of 
life a>shore and the comforts of home. Lieutenant Perry 
was foregoing, altliough unconsciously, some rare op- 
])ortunities for gaining renown. In the very watei*s 
which he had left but a short time before, there was 
then being enacted a vigorous series of naval operations 
])ut into execution by the command of Commodore 
Preble, wli(> h.id sncctH?ded Commodore Morris on the 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 27 

Mediterranean. The presence of liis squadron before 
Tripoli had been marked by continuous bombardment, 
conceived in a true spirit of naval enterprise; and the 
boat-attacks executed with brilliant daring, supported 
by the guns of the squadron, were characterized by per- 
sonal heroism of the highest stamp. The hand-to-hand 
struggles with a barbarous foe, the self-devotion to 
succor or to save, the hair-breadth escapes, all invest 
the period of Preble's command with heroic interest. 
It was the ill-fortune of young Perry to have been de- 
tached from the squadron during these thrilling scenes 
which, under the glory of Preble, brought renown to 
Decatur, to Somers, and other heroes of the Tripolitan 
war. 

The earliest news of the achievements of Commo- 
dore Preble's command tired the imagination of Lieu- 
tenant Perry, and, having wearied of professional in- 
activity, he resolved to seek renewed service abroad. 
The loss of the Philadelphia, shortly after, only increased 
his desire to be present in the thickest of the fight, 
and he at once applied for extended sea duty. As 
the Constitution was then the only heavy ship before 
Tripoli, the government, which was determined to pros- 
ecute the war to an issue of peace, began to fit out four 
additional frigates for that purpose. One of these was 
the Constellatimi, placed under the command of Captain 
H. G. Campbell, under whom the young midsliipman 
had received his advance to a lieutenancy. Upon learn- 
ing, therefore, of Oliver Perry's desire for service in 
the Mediterranean, his partiality and friendship for the 
promising young officer induced him to procure an 
order for him to serve as one of the lieutenants on his 
ship. 

The ship was fitting out at Washington, to which 
place Perry at once proceeded. It was his first visit 
to that part of the country, but the intelligence, frank- 
ness, and unaffected good-nature of the people with 



28 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

whom lie was thrown prompted him, between intervals 
of his official duties, to accept numerous invitations 
extended to liim by prominent families in the town. 
From the earnestness with which his society was sought 
it is evident that his youth, his erect and military bear- 
ing, enhanced by his intelligence and modesty, w^ere 
qualities that made him no less a favorite with the 
young ladies than with their discerning sires. 

Early in June, 1S04, the Constellation was ready 
for sea, and in company with the frigate President, 
iK'aring the broad pennant of Commodore Barron, pro- 
eeeded to the Mediterranean. In September the ships 
arrived off Tripoli, thus augmenting the squadron to 
five frig;it('s and five brigs, which was the most form- 
idal)le force that had ever been brought together under 
an American officer. But with only a single frigate 
and a few small gunboats. Commodore Preble had 
accomplished more toward peace than the new com- 
mander was likely to realize with more than five times 
his force. It was the master spirit of Preble that had 
done heroic things, and had he been retained in com- 
mand of the new squadron, Tripoli w^ould soon have 
been reduced to ruin or unconditional submission. His 
dismissal at a critical time in the war was a grave 
error of judgment, and only reflected the weakness and 
imlx'cility wliicli marked the early conduct of the navy 
department. 

Instead of pursuing tlie aggressive warfare against 
the enemy, which had been inaugurated by Preble, noth- 
ing was now done beyond maintaining a blockade of 
the jtorl. a service which would have been equally effec- 
tive with the former force. Thus Perry and other 
young officers, with their imaginations aflame by the 
matchless heroism so recently displayed in the arena 
before them, were destined to follow a period of inac- 
tivity, while admiring deeds of valor which they were 
not permiftwl to imitate. Not long after the assump- 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 29 

tion of command by Commodore Barron, operations of 
an exceedingly romantic character tooli place on land. 
General Eaton, our consul at Tunis, with the aid of the 
deposed bashaw and a motley company of about five 
hundred adventurers, had succeeded, after a sharp and 
spirited attack, in capturing the seaport town of 
Dearne. In this insurrection against the power of the 
reigning bashaw, they had had the support of the Amer- 
ican government to the extent of being furnished with 
arms and ammunition from the brig Argus, and 
schooners Nautilus and Hornet. Being besieged in 
their stronghold by an overpowering force of the enemy, 
they were in hard straits when the Constellation oppor- 
tunely appeared in the harbor, and drove the barbarians 
away with the loss of their heavy baggage. More ex- 
tensive aid was then urged by General Eaton from the 
naval forces, to follow up the advantage thus gained, 
but Commodore Barron declined doing so, and the ex- 
pedition was brought to a close. Soon after, the com- 
modore retired because of ill health, and the command 
of the squadron devolved upon Commodore Rodgers, 
who was able in a short time to conclude a treaty of 
peace. All claims of tribute were abandoned by Tripoli, 
but ransom was paid for the American prisoners re- 
maining in possession of the regency after the exchange 
had been made. 

While the squadron still lay off Tripoli, young 
Perry was ordered to the schooner Nautilus as first 
lieutenant, and he was in command of this gunboat 
when Commodore Rodgers sailed soon after for Tunis. 
The bey had threatened our consul and otherwise showed 
a hostile spirit toward Americans, and the presence of 
an ai'med force was deemed necessary for his pacifica- 
tion. The squadron then comprised thirteen vessels, 
including the gunboats, and presented a formidable 
show of force which greatly impressed the bey, and he 
expressed a wish to send a minister to Washington to 



30 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

represent his government. This desire was soon gi'ati- 
fied by his minister embarkinti,- in the Congress, com- 
manded by Lieutenant Decatur, in its return to the 
rnited States. At about this time the Nautilus was 
dispatched to Algiers and arrived in time for its young 
commander to witness one of the frequent uprisings of 
wliicli tlie regency was noted. He then proceeded to 
Gibralter to receive the commodore's dispatches and 
procure supplies. ITpon the conclusion of this service 
P(^rry was ordered to tlie tiagshij) Constitution, the com- 
modore having been attracted by his manly appearance, 
liis courteous manner, and thoughtful conversation. 

In his service on the tiagship it was soon observed 
l)y tlie commodore that the young otficer was an ex- 
cellent seaman, while his manner was at all times ad- 
mirable, calm, dignified, and self-possessed. He was 
then, as ever after, rigorous in the observance of naval 
etiquette which, it may be noted, is one of the most 
useful safeguards against familiarity and insubordina- 
tion. Perry's manner and nuxle of carrying on duty at 
this early period in his career was a matter of remark 
among the officers of the ship, and in manoeu^Ting the 
Con.slitntion as officer of the deck, the admirable skill 
which he displayed was enhanced by his ease and grace, 
and by the matchless clearness and melody of his voice. 
This s«) secured the approbation and kind feelings of 
Commod(U'e Kodgers that when, upon settlement of all 
difficulties with the Barbary powers, he shifted his flag 
to the /v.s-.s-c.r to return to the TTnited States, he took 
young Perry with him. 

The /.'x.sT.r sailed from the Mediterranean in August, 
ISiKl; ;ni(l ill the voyage homeward Perry found in 
Daniel .Miinay a l)rother officer of congenial spirit. A 
wanii and lasting friendshi]) si)rang up between them, 
and the latter afterward gave his impressions of the 
chai-aclei- and manners of his friend at this period: 



OLIVER AS A MIDSHIPMAN 31 

"My intercourse with him previously had been slight 
and casual; although on the same station, we had 
rarely been thrown together. On examining the dates 
of our commissions, I found that he ranked me, and he 
came home second lieutenant of the Essex. During our 
passage home, which was a very long one, within a 
few days of two months, I had great pleasure in culti- 
vating Perry's acquaintance. His fine temper, gentle 
manners, and manly bearing, soon attracted and 
attached me to him strongly, and I believe our regard 
for each other was as sincere as it was lasting, having 
been uninterrupted to his death. His age when in the 
Essex could not have been more than twenty-one, and 
he was then an excellent seaman, an accomplished 
officer, and a well-bred gentleman. His subsequent 
glorious career was just what I had anticipated.'' 



CHAPTEE III 
Training For War 

^nr^IIE oonchision of the war with the Barbary 
I powers left the United States nominally at 
l)eace with all the world. It was a period of 
violent unrest among the nations of Europe, which now 
looked upon the subjugation of the lawless barbarians 
of the Mediterranean by the Americans, as a remarkable 
achievement. All the weaker powers had long paid 
tribute to these pirates, in order to save their commerce 
on the sea from spoliation; and now to note that the 
infant republic across the ocean had in a short time 
brought the freebooters to abject submission, filled them 
with amazement. They consequently began to have a 
wliolesome respect for the small but efficient navy of 
the United States, and a certain degree of admiration 
for the daring, the skill, and the intrepidity of its 
officers and men. 

At this time the war between the maritime nations 
of the world had become almost universal, and had 
resulted in throwing the carrying trade very largely to 
the Ameri<an shipping. Exempted from the evils of 
war and deriving immense profit from their neutral 
position and pacific relations with all nations, the 
United States was an object of jealously of England 
and France, the two principal belligerents. These 
powerful nations, perceiving the naval force of the re- 
public reduced to a peace footing, took advantage of 
the unprotected state of its commerce thereby to pursue 
towards it strong measures of legalized spolition. 
towards it strong measures of legalized spoliation. 

32 



TRAINING FOR WAR 33 

commerce of the United States, therefore, was constantly 
subjected to the most unwarrantable seizures and con- 
demnations by Great Britain, and for a part of this 
period by France. 

England liad led the way by adopting the rule of 
war of 1756, which regarded all trade carried on by a 
neutral nation with the colonies of a belligerent, during 
war, which was not permitted by the belligerent nation 
during peace, as illegal. This order to the commanders 
of her ships of war was ostensibly intended to distress 
the French colonies in the West Indies and elsewhere, 
but, as no notice of it had been given to the United 
States, its immediate effects fell almost entirely on their 
commerce. As a, result, vessels and property, aggregat- 
ing an enormous sum, were seized, carried into British 
ports, and condemned. This violation of the neutral 
rights of the nation caused great indignation through- 
out the United States; and meetings were held in the 
commercial towns, and memorials presented to Con- 
gress urging that body to adopt such energetic and de- 
cisive measures as would be most likely to obtain re- 
dress. Although a law was adopted on the eighteenth 
of April, 1806, prohibiting the importation into the 
United States of certain manufactured articles of Great 
Britain, it produced no favorable effect upon the action 
of that nation, which only advanced other equally novel 
and unjust pretensions, thereby adding insult to injury. 

One of these pretensions was a declaration that the 
coasts of France, Holland, and Germany, from Brest 
to the Elbe, an extent of more than eight hundred miles, 
was in a state of blockade; and they so far enforced it 
as to make captures of such vessels as accidentally 
approached these shores. France soon after followed 
the example of England, and her cruisers and priva- 
teers captured neutral vessels on a coast where they 
themselves were fugitives and in imminent peril of 
capture. Such a. predatory warfare directed against a 



34 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

nation at peace with them, in violation of all the 
hitherto established rights of neutrals, had, as intended, 
a ruinous effect upon the trade of the United States, 
and threatened it with utter annihilation. This de- 
plorable state of affairs had been due wholly to the 
improvidence of the government, and the sordid policy 
which it had pursued towards the navy, which left it 
without the means of convoying its merchant ships, and 
causing its rights to be respected. 

Even then, for maritime defense, such ships as the 
United States possessed might have been fitted out, and 
others built, and sent forth to restore the tarnished 
honor of the flag by protecting its commerce. But it 
was more consistent to the narrow and timid policy of 
the time, to recall what shipping remained from the 
ocean, than to follow and protect it there. Thus the 
embargo act was proclaimed toward the close of 1807, 
which added evils not less ruinous by blockading our 
own ports and harbors, and defending their egress by 
means of gunboats. Instead of sending forth line-of- 
battle ships and frigates to convoy American ships, 
^^•he^ever they had a right to go, the policy and method 
of defense only invited the aggression of belligerents at 
home by so futile a preparation to resist it. 

During this unsettled period in the commercial life 
of the country, Lieutenant Perry was busily engaged, 
by official appointment, in supervising the construction 
of seventeen gunboats in the harbor of Newport. It 
was highly creditable to him, and reflects the confidence 
of the navy department, based, no doubt, on the favor- 
able reports of the various commanders under whom he 
had served, that lie should have been entrusted, while as 
yet scarcely twenty-two years of age, to build, equip, 
an<l command this considerable array of gunboats. In 
June, ISOT, lie was ready to proceed with liis force to 
New York, a fact which shows that he must have used 
great energy and dispatch in carrying on his shipbuild- 



TRAINING FOR WAR 35 

ing operations. Associated with liim in this work was 
his intimate friend and former shipmate on the Con- 
stellation, Samuel G. Blodgett, with whom in every ob- 
ligation as an officer and man he freely sympathized. 

While thus employed with the full flotilla in block- 
ade duty of New York harbor against American vessels, 
the British added still another sanguinary outrage on 
our flag. This was the attack on the frigate Chesapeake 
by the double-decked ship Leopard, in the waters of 
Lynnhaven Bay, for the purpose of taking from her 
certain alleged deserters. There was a wanton slaughter 
of a number of American seamen, and no effort was 
made to maintain the glory of the flag before it was 
lowered in dishonor. The national sense of honor and 
justice was stung into keen resentment by this mortify- 
ing affair ; and the feeling with which Lieutenant Perry 
learned of the cold-blooded attack, is well expressed in 
a letter written soon after to his father, who was then 
in foreign waters as captain of a merchantman : "You 
must, ere this, have heard of the outrage committed by 
the British on our national honor, and feel with us all 
the indignation that so barbarous and cowardly an act 
must naturally inspire. Thank God! all parties are 
now united in the determination to resent so flagrant an 
insult. There is but one sentiment pervading the bosom 
of every American from North to South. The British 
may laugh, but let them beware ! for never has the public 
indignation been so completely aroused since the glori- 
ous revolution that made us a nation of freemen. The 
utmost spirit prevails throughout the United States in 
preparation for an event which is thought inevitable, 
and our officers wait with impatience for the signal to 
be given to wipe away the stain which the misconduct 
of one has cast on our flag." 

After the command for a season of the flotilla in 
New York harbor. Lieutenant Perry was ordered to 
superintend the construction of additional gunboats laid 



36 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

down at Westerly, on the Pawcatuck River. In this 
service he was actively employed from February, 1808 
to April, 1809, when all the vessels were completed. He 
wa.s then appointed to the command of the schooner 
Revenge, of fourteen guns, which was attached to Com- 
modore Rodgers' command. This squadron, consisting 
of four frigates, five sloops, and a number of gunboats, 
had wisely been placed in commission to assist in pro- 
tecting the sovereignty of our own coasts; while the 
probability of war with England quickened the zeal 
of all naval officers in preparing for the struggle, with 
the chivalrous hope of wiping away the stain on the 
honor of the flag cast upon it by the encounter of the 
VhcHupcakc. Under the watchful guidance of the skil- 
ful and intrepid Rodgers, the squadron was brought to 
a high order of discipline, efficiency, and readiness for 
action which has seldom been surpassed. 

Cruising with the squadron along the Atlantic 
coast, during the summer and winter. Lieutenant Perry 
was ordered, in April, 1810, to sail with the Revenge to 
the Washington navy yard, where the schooner was to 
undergo extensive repairs. In passing up the Potomac, 
when off Mount Vernon, a salute was fired from the 
vessel in honor of the country's noblest patriot, whose 
remains reposed there. This thundered tribute to the 
memory of the nation's hero had become an honored 
custom, since the beginning of the American navy. On 
the twentieth of May, the repairs to the Revenge having 
been complete<l. Lieutenant Perry was ordered to sail 
for Charleston for duty in the neighboring w-aters. 
Touching at Norfolk he proceeded to sea and, after a 
boisterous passage, arrived safely in port. The only 
adventure of note recorded in the log-book was the fall- 
ing overboard of one of the crew, who, though the 
schooner was running free under a press of canvas, was 
rcsciu'd. The i)articulars were sententiously recorded 
as follows: "At ten, thirty, Johnson Dickson, marine. 



TRAINING FOR WAR 37 

fell overboard. Rounded to, out boat, brought him safe 
on board." 

The duties of the Charleston station, upon which 
Perry now entered, included cruising on the coast to 
protect our merchantmen, and those of other nations, 
within one marine league from the shore, from capture 
or molestation by British or French cruisers which 
abounded in southern w^aters. The difficulties of the 
situation were many and the orders governing his move- 
ments somewhat complicated. In July a United States 
marshal boarded the Revenge with a warrant for the 
seizure of the ship Diana, of Wiscasset. It was claimed 
by her owners that the master of the ship, James Tib- 
betts, had fraudulently retained possession of the vessel 
for his own gain, and had refused to return to the 
United States as repeatedly ordered. The vessel 
was then lying in Spanish waters, off Amelia Island, 
and bore English colors. The Spanish authorities, con- 
vinced of the justice of the claims, had readily granted 
permission to take possession of the vessel which, how- 
ever, was lying under the battery of the gunbrig 
Plumper and the schooner Jupiter. Lieutenant Perry 
immediately yielded to the request of the marshal that 
he would go after and take possession of the Diana, 
and, with the aid of three gunboats, he proceeded to the 
island, seized the ship from under the guns of the 
British cruisers, and stood out to sea. Before clearing 
the coast, however, a large sloop-of-war was discovered 
bearing down, and soon proved to be the H. B. M. ship 
Goree, Captain Byng. The ship rounded to and sent 
an officer on board the Revenge to learn the character 
of her convoy. This information Lieutenant Perry re- 
fused to give; and, having little hope of resisting suc- 
cessfully a ship of twice his force, he took a fair posi- 
tion for boarding the other, should he offer the least 
hostility. With his whole crew armed with cutlasses, 
pistols, and battle-axes, he was prepared to make an 



38 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

assault over the bulwarks into tlie midst of the enemy 
with a suddenness and audacity which might well have 
rendered it successful. An eye-witness of this scene on 
the Rcccnf/c, hx whom the anecdote was recorded, was 
one of the midshipmen, and concluded with : "Our 
crew consisted of about ninety good men ; and, although 
the attempt to board might appear desperate, yet it was 
our belief at the time that, considering the Goree would 
not be expecting such an attempt, our gallant com- 
mander would have succeeded. His cool self-possession 
and admirable command of feature inspired every soul 
with enthusiastic confidence, and foreshadowed that 
gallant exploit on the lake wliich has rendered his name 
immortal." But Captain Byng was a reasonable man, 
and the whole difficulty was amicably adjusted without 
the firing of a gun, by Lieutenant Perry sending one 
of his officers on board the Goree, to explain the mis- 
sion of his own ship. 

Early in August, 1810, the Revenge was ordered 
fiH)iii Charleston waters to New York, where she was 
soon after again attached to the efficient squadron of 
Commodore Rodgers in the patrol of the coast from 
Cape Henry to the eastern limit of the United States. 
Kindly favoring I*erry's expressed desire to be employed 
near* Newport, the commodore now" assigned him to the 
extent of coast between Mcmtauk Point and the south 
shoal of Nantucket as his field of operations, with New- 
port as his rendezvous. He at once proceeded to this 
station wliere he remained during the autumn, occasion- 
ally making a cruise along the coast. Tlie log-book of 
the Revenge during this ix'riod bears evidence, that the 
training of his crew was not merely confined to the 
usnal exercise of the gi'eat guns and small arms, but 
ihnt targets were frequently sent out, at w'hich the 
crew were exercised in firing under the swell of the 
ocean ami other intlnences, which they would feel in an 
actnMl cntniinter at sea. Tn December Perrv rejoined 



TRAINING FOR WAR 39 

the commodore at New London, and was entrusted with 
the important duty of making a correct survey of the 
ports of Newport, New London, and Gardiner's Bay, 
including the intermediate navigation, with the bear- 
ing of the various headlands, for the purpose of form- 
ing a single sheet chart of the whole on a large scale. 
Although the winter season had set in and was unsuit- 
able for such work, Perry set about the task with a 
good will, and with perfect indifference to exposure, 
determined, despite the severity of the weather, to com- 
plete the survey within the time specified in his orders. 
At the end of a fortnight of strenuous work Lieu- 
tenant Perry found it necessary to return to New 
London, and accordingly set sail from Newport on the 
eighth of January, 1811. It was midnight, the weather 
was clear, and the wind light from the northwest, which 
would enable him to pass through the Race, the dang- 
erous strait between Fisher's Island and Watch Hill, 
in daylight. The Revenge had scarcely been under way 
an hour, however, before the weather became foggy and 
the wind uncertain; but the pilot, who was an expe- 
rienced navigator of that coast, assured the commander 
that he could take the schooner safely into port. Before 
daybreak the Revenge passed Point Judith in fourteen 
fathoms, sailing about three knots steered a point off 
shore. At nine o'clock, when the fog was thickening 
fast, the leadsmen suddenly gave eleven and then ten 
fathoms, when the helm was put to starboard, and the 
schooner rapidly rounded to heading south by west. 
But she continued to shoal water to five, three, and to 
two and a half fathoms, showing that they were em- 
bayed by a reef. The anchor, which had previously 
been made ready for instant use, was then let go which 
checked her bows round so that she headed out clear of 
the rocks. A light breeze springing up just then the 
sails were trimmed, the cable was cut, and the vessel 
ranged a short distance ahead in the wintry fog which 



40 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

enveloped all in almost total darkness. But at this 
critical moment the wind failed, and the swell and 
tlood-tide cominjif in stronoj, despite the utmost efforts of 
the crew, canted her bows high on the reef. 

Although it was the top of high tide, and the 
weather was extremely unfavorable, Lieutenant Perry 
hoped to save his ship. Boats were at once hoisted 
out and sent to make soundings, while a kedge and 
hawser were carried out in the direction of deepest water 
thus indicated. When tlie hawser had been hove taut, 
eight of the heaviest guns and other heavy articles were 
cast overboard, and minute guns were fired as signals 
of distress. But the schooner was leaking badly, and 
water was gaining on the pumps, which were worked in- 
cessantly; and she labored and pounded heavily on the 
rocks. As a last resort Perry ordered the masts cut 
away, but AWthin twenty minutes after the vessel struck, 
she bilged in two places. As no hope now remained of 
saving her. Lieutenant Perry turned to the task of sav- 
ing his crew. Several boats had put oif from the shore, 
into which the sick were first lowered with infinite care, 
and after them the marines and boys, and all sent safely 
U^ land. To save what he could of the sails, rigging, 
small arms, and articles of most value, was his next 
task. With his officers and crew he toiled throughout 
the day, though the cold was intense and the surf dashed 
over the hulk, and at sunset, when she was fast going to 
pieces, nothing of much value remained to be swallowed 
up hy the angi-y waves. At last it was with difficulty 
that they lowered themselves into the boats tossing 
under the stern, Perry himself being the last to leave 
tlie wreck. ri)on reaching laud the crew was mustered, 
every man reporting, and were cared for in various 
houses in the neighborlKMxl during the night. 

As a conclusion of this disaster, which deprived 
Lieutenant Perry of his command, at his own request a 
court of inquiry was ordered to examine into the cir- 



TRAINING FOR WAR 41 

cumstances attending the occurrence. This court, 
which was composed of Captain Hull, and Lieutenants 
Ludlow and Morris, after a full investigation of the 
facts, decided that the fault of running on the reef 
rested with the pilot alone, and that the conduct of 
Lieutenant Perry was not only free from censure, but 
was highly meritorious. His judgment and activity in 
saving his crew and much of the public property, and 
his cool intrepidity during the whole of the trying scene, 
elicited their highest admiration; and contributed, in 
no small degree, to raise the estimation in which he was 
held by the government. The impression produced by 
the evidence adduced before the Court, is reflected in a 
letter of the secretary of the navy to Commodore 
Rodgers, in relation thereto: "Having attentively ex- 
amined the proceedings of the court, I derive much sat- 
isfaction from perceiving that it is unnecessary to in- 
stitute any further proceedings in the case. With re- 
spect to Lieutenant Perry, I can only say, that my 
confidence in him has not been in any degree diminished 
by his conduct on the occasion. The loss of the Revenge 
appears to be justly chargeable to the pilot. This acci- 
dent will no doubt present to Lieutenant Perry con- 
siderations that may be useful to him in future com- 
mand. An officer, just to himself and to his country, 
will not be depressed by defeat or misfortune, but will 
be stimulated by either cause to greater exertions. If 
there should be any situation in the squadron to which 
you can appoint Lieutenant Perry that may be consist- 
ent with his just pretensions, and not interfere with 
the rights of others, you will appoint him to it; if not, 
he is to be furloughed, waiting the orders of this de- 
partment." 

The whole conduct of Lieutenant Perry in the 
moment of disaster, reveals not a few of the qualities 
which afterward were displayed on a more brilliant as 
well as a more fortunate occasion. During the hours 



42 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

of poril he exhibited the same calmness, the same self- 
posvsession, the same indomitable power over circum- 
stances, the same sympathy with the suffering, which 
iliaracterized his command on the lake. The storms 
and intense cold, which so often benumb the faculties of 
the strongest men, the perils of rocks and waves, had 
no power to unman him or turn him from his duty. 
Having saved his crew he remained on the shattered 
wreck to recover the property entrusted to him, cling- 
ing to tlie last remaining remnants of his once proud 
siiij) with unyielding tenacity. Then, having returned 
to Newport, exonerated from all blame of the loss of 
his sliip, he made a visit to Washington to ask as a 
simi)k' favor in the time of peace, that he might remain 
for a season free from a call to duty, which would take 
him far from Newport. 

In making this request for an extended furlough, 
he had a laudable as well as a good and sufficient reason. 
In January, 1807, at a social assembly, he had first met 
the lady, in the first bl(K)m of loveliness, sparkling with 
intelligence and talent, and gifted with rare qualities 
of truth, simplicity, fortitude and affection, whom he 
was now about to make his bride. This charming 
l)erson was Elizabeth Champlin Mason, the daughter of 
Doctor Vinson, of Newport. Perry's professional em- 
ployiMcnt at Newport, immediately after his return from 
the Mediterranean, favored their frequent meeting, and, 
wlicn lie left for New York in June with his flotilla of 
gunboats, he became her pledged and accepted com- 
panion for life. Thus, being assured of an extended 
leave of absence, Oliver Perry returned to Newport with 
a light heart. On the fifth of May, 1811, an attach- 
ment testeil by so long a probation, was consecrated by 
marriage. With ample opportunity for observation of 
each other's character and qualities of heart, they 
entered upon a life which promised a fair share of 
wedtb'd happiness. In perfect understanding and with 



TRAINING FOR WAR 43 

unbounded sympathy this promise was amply redeemed 
until death interposed to separate them. 

Meanwhile, the embargo act had proved so ruinous 
to American commerce, and so difficult of enforcement, 
that it was revoked in March, 1809. A policy of non- 
intercourse was adopted instead, from which practice 
France suffered to the extent that Napoleon was forced 
to relax his predatory spoliations on our commerce. 
England, however, was less sensibly affected by the sus- 
pension of trade with the United States, and continued 
her offensive measures with no regard whatever for 
justice or the recognized usage of nations. She de- 
stroyed our commerce, because it interferred with her 
own shipping interests, by making the most exasperat- 
ing attacks on American vessels, not only on the great 
highway of nations, but upon our own coasts and often 
within our own waters. The most serious offences were 
the impressing of our native seamen under the plea of 
their being Englishmen, and hundreds of Americans 
were annually seized from under their national banner 
and forced to serve on British ships, in numerous cases 
losing their lives in the unjust cause of their oppressors, 
in fighting those with whom they owned no enmity. A 
system of license and plunder had so long been carried 
on by the British navy, that it had engendered a pre- 
datory and freebooting spirit among the seamen, while 
the absence of opposition from their weak victims had 
fostered an insolent, contemptible, and unbearable man- 
ner among them. 

Under such conditions the affair of the frigate 
President, early in 1812 when, in search of the 
Giierriere, she fell in with the Little Belt in the night 
with an encounter in which the latter was the greater 
sufferer, added new intensity to the hatred which ex- 
isted between the two nations. Great Britain still 
showed no disposition to cease her aggressions against 
our flag, or to respect the persons of American citizens. 



44 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

heute it became imperative that the government should 
adopt the only alternative measure that remained, that 
of declaring war, which was finally enacted on the eigh- 
teenth of June, 1812. England's attitude was w^ell ex- 
pressed in the president's message: "She carries on a 
war against the lawful commerce of a friend, that she 
may the better carry on a commerce with an enemy; a 
commerce polluted by forgeries and perjuries which are, 
for the most part, tlie only passports by which it can 
succwd." 

In anticipation of war Lieutenant Perry, some time 
l)efore, had hurried to Washington to seek active em- 
})h>yment at sea. As no vacancy suited to his rank then 
(illcrcd, he was ordered to the command of a flotilla of 
twelve gunboats stationed at Newport for the defense of 
the harbor and adjacent waters. The crews of these 
vessels, which numbered about three hundred and fifty 
enlisted men, were supplied with officers of Perry's 
selection, among wliom were Lieutenant S. G. Blodgett, 
.Midshijtnian Daniel Turner, Acting-Masters W. V. 
Taylor and Stephen Champlin, and Purser Samuel 
nanil»h*ton, all but one of whom were conspicuous in 
the battle of Lake Erie. The gunboats were generally 
armed with a single twenty-four pounder, two of which 
were stationed off Stonington, and the others at or 
al)out Newport. As the service that could be rendered 
by such a force was small and inconsequential, being 
of pnrely <lefensive character, it was highly uncongenial 
to the high spirit and daring of the youthful Perry; 
nevertheless, he devoted himself to his duties with earn- 
est zeal, and was untiring in his efforts for the defense 
(►f the coast entrusted to his vigilance. 

In July, 1812, an order was received by Perry from 
the navy department for the discharge of all but eight 
of the twenty- four men, exclusive of the officers, com- 
posing the crew of eacli gunboat. The crews had not 
yet worked ont their advance, but economv was the 



TRAINING FOR WAR 45 

watchword of the administration, and it was proposed 
to trust to chance in procuring volunteers in time of 
need to supply the vacant places. As the young lieu- 
tenant's reply, dated at Newport on the twenty-seventh 
of July, evinces a lively interest in the welfare of his 
native state, and a just sense of the responsibilities of 
the situation, it is transcribed herewith : 

"Having received an order a few days since to dis- 
charge all the crews of the gunboats under my command, 
except eight men of each, I consider it a duty to inform 
you of the probable result of that order. From the 
peculiar situation of this town, a ship may, from the 
time she is discovered in the offing, be at anchor in 
this harbor in less than an hour and a half. The water 
up the bay is sufficient for vessels of the heaviest draft, 
and the towns of Providence, Bristol, Warren, Wick- 
ford, and Greenwich are without fortifications of any 
kind. There are very few seamen in this place at 
present, most of the ships belonging to it being absent. 
It will, therefore, be impossible to expect any assist- 
ance, or, if any, very trifling, on an emergency, from 
them. But, sir, if volunteers could be procured, the 
enemy would give us so little time — for no doubt they 
would take a favorable wind to come in — it would be 
impossible to beat up for them, get them on board, and 
station them before probably the occasion for their 
services would be entirely over. From the circum- 
stance of the gunboats here being for the defense of 
so many valuable towns, totally defenseless in other re- 
spects, and from the singularly exposed situation of 
this town to the sudden invasion of an enemy, I hope, 
sir, an exception may be made in favor of the boats on 
this station, and that they may be permitted to retain 
their full complement of men. I forbear to say any- 
thing of the situation of an officer who commands a 
large nominal force, from whom much is expected, but 
by whom little can be performed." 



46 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

While thus actively engaged in training his crews 
in the exercise of the great guns and small arms, with 
the use of the cutlass and pike, he occasionally assembled 
liis gunl)oats for drills in the various evolutions in fleet 
formations. lie often divided them into opposing 
squadrons, one under his own orders, the other under 
Li(Mit('n;int Blodgett, for the purpose of carrying on a 
miiiiic naval engagement. His studies in fleet forma- 
tions, no doubt, were a useful preparation in facility in 
iiianociivring a number of vessels, and in forming a con- 
<-t'l>ti()u of advantages to be seized on in the encounter 
of fleets, wliicli were afterward of utmost value to him. 
The secretary of the navy, meanwhile, in recognition 
of Perry's services, in August advanced him to the grade 
of master-commandant, a rank which he held until the 
smoke of battle had blown away in the memorable en- 
gagement on the lake. 

The commencement of actual warfare was signal- 
ized by the capture of the Guerriere by the Constitution, 
a brilliant action which spread the greatest enthusiasm 
over the whole countrs'. In participating in the acclam- 
ations accorded the victors, the government took a very 
unusual and unwise course in advancing Lieutenant 
Morris, first lieutenant of the Constitution, two grades 
to the rank of ])()st-captain. This manifest violation of 
the rights and feelings of the whole grade of masters- 
commandant, in promoting over their heads a lieuten- 
ant who had merely performed his duty in a subordinate 
character, occasioned much ill-feeling among the num- 
erous officers above Morris. The dissatisfaction was 
increased by the greater injustice to the veteran com- 
mander of the Conatitution, under whose orders the 
victory had been won, for there was no promotion for 
him, the government not being equal to creating a new 
grade in advancement to which he might be honored. 
Th«' agitation (►ver the alfair became so otfensive and the 
discussion so pointed as to seriouslv affect the health 



TRAINING FOR WAR 47 

of Lieutenant Morris, who had been dangerously 
wounded in the engagement. 

Commander Perry was one of those over whom the 
young officer had been thus summarily advanced, but 
instead of cherishing feelings of resentment of this act, 
his generous and magnanimous nature led him not only 
to acquiesce in it but to take a pointed way of showing 
it. Mr. Morris was then in Providence recuperating 
from his illness and the effects of his wound, and Com- 
mander Perry proposed to his friend, Mr. Rogers, who 
was afterward a purser in the navy, to make a visit 
there in order that he might personally express to the 
fortunate officer his own views on the subject. This he 
accordingly did, accompanied by his friend, who has 
recorded that the interview was singularly interesting. 
After inquiring with solicitude into his state of health. 
Perry cordially congratulated the young officer on the 
brilliant victory, in which he had played so conspic- 
uous a part, and told him that his promotion to post- 
captaincy met with his hearty approbation, all of which 
relieved Mr. Morris of the painful feelings which the 
opposition of those superseded had aroused in him. 
But Perry's generosity did not end there, for, when 
Captain Morris was subsequently appointed to the com- 
mand of the Adams, for a cruise on the high seas, he 
allowed the best of his men, including Daniel Turner, 
to volunteer for that service, even sending them forward 
without waiting for the formal orders for their transfer, 
which he was assured were on the way from the navy 
department. The generous self-denial of Oliver Hazard 
Perry on this occasion was as rare in the service, as 
it was in every way worthy of admiration and imitation. 

The loss of his true and faithful friend. Lieutenant 
Blodgett, by drowning with nine others, when his gun- 
boat was dashed on the rocks of Connanicut, was a 
most distressing occurrence of Perry's command at 
Newport. In narrating the circumstances to the secre- 



48 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

tary of the navy and to the ofPicer's father, be was able 
to assure them that in the last trying scene of his life, 
the brave officer and son acted with a firmness and de- 
cision most honorable to his memory. Had Lieutenant 
Blodirett lived he would doubtless have been second in 
command on Lake Erie, and shared the glory of the 
victory wliicli the presence of so courageous and true- 
hearted an officer would have more quickly achieved. 

Toward the close of November Commander Perry 
renewed his efforts to secure more active employment, 
and addressed the secretary as follows: "I have in- 
structed my friend, Mr. W. S. Rogers, to wait on you 
witli a tender of my services for the Lakes. There are 
fifty or sixty men under my command that are remark- 
ably active and strong, capable of performing any ser- 
vice. In the hope that I should have the honor of com- 
manding them wlienever they should meet the enemy, 
I have taken unwearied pains in preparing them for 
such an event. I beg, therefore, sir, that we may be 
employed in some way in wliich we can be serviceable 
to our country." At the same time he wrote to Com- 
modore Chauncey, who had recently assumed command 
on the Lakes, offering his services on that station. 

A week after, tlie British frigate Macedonian, the 
prize of tlie frigate United States, arrived under the 
coiiiiiiMnd of Ills friend and former shipmate. Lieutenant 
NN'illiiiiii II. Allen, whom Perry also received with con- 
gratulations, and lent every assistance in providing for 
the rdiiifort of the wounded; and also furnished Allen 
with thirty of his men to assist in getting the ship to 
New York. In January, when he learned of the appoint- 
ment of IJcutcnnnt Allen to the command of the brig 
Arf/us. of twenty guns, he was not a little annoyed, in 
view of his oft^n expressed desire for sea service, and 
wrote the secretary making a formal application for 
coiiiiiiand of that ship. To the senator from Rhode 
Island he also wrote explaining the injustice to him of 



TEAINING FOB WAR 49 

the appointment of his junior to command ahead of 
him, and urged the senator to use his influence in his 
behalf, possessing, as he said, "an ardent desire to meet 
the enemies of my country." To his friend Allen he 
frankly stated all that he had done, and enclosed a copy 
of his letter to the secretary. For some time he had 
cherished the hope of ultimately obtaining the command 
of the Hornet, should Captain Lawrence, her com- 
mander, be promoted to a larger ship upon his return 
from the cruise, in which he had captured the Peacock. 
But week after week passed and, as the captain still 
kept to sea, this hope grew small indeed. 



CHAPTER IV 

CuKATiXG A Naval Force on Lake Erie 

AS the winter of 1812 wore ou, Commander Perry 
/\ icliiKiuished all hope of obtaining command of 
■^ ^" ihc ship Hornet, of twelve guns, or other sea 
Kervire; nevertheless, he kept diligently at his task of 
training the seamen of his little flotilla. By his in- 
tense energ;\' and radiant enthusiasm he soon brought 
tlie most i)romising of them to a high state of efficiency 
and discipline. Often he turned longing eyes toward 
tlie West for renewed hope of satisfying his "ardent 
desire to meet the enemies of his country," little real- 
izing that Fate was even then weaving circumstances in 
his favor, and that the means of distinction were being 
provideil for him. On the first of February, 1813, he 
received a most welcome letter from Commodore Isaac 
CliauiK-cy, wild citmmauded the naval forces on the 
(Jreat Lakes. This Avas in reply to his of the preceding 
\ovendK»r, in wliich he stated that he had applied to 
the secretary of tlie navy for service on the Lakes The 
letter informed liim that the commodore had followed 
up tlie a]t]»licati<)n with a re(|nest to the secretary that 
the young iiinstcr-coininandant be sent to him. 

V\"\\\\ what J(»y and delight must he have read the 
kind Mild earnest words, which plainly indicated that 
his character was already recognized in the service and 
umh'rstdod by his sui)erior oflicers. "You are the very 
person," wrote the commodore, "that I want for a par- 
ticular .service in which you may gain reputation for 
yourself, and hou(u- for your country." The particular 
service referred to was the creation and command of 

50 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE 51 

a naval force on Lake Erie, a service for which, as later 
events proved, he was eminently fitted by training and 
skill. A few days after he was overjoyed to receive an 
advice from his friend, Mr. Rogers, who was then at 
Washington, that the new secretary of the navy had 
readily acceded to Commodore Chaiincey's request to 
order him to the lake station. He was to take with him 
a detachment of the best men under his command at 
Newport, and was directed to create an effective fleet 
of war ships on Lake Erie. "You will doubtless com- 
mand in chief,'' continued his friend, "this is the situa- 
tion Mr. Hamilton mentioned to me two months past, 
and which, I think, will suit you exactly; you may 
expect some warm fighting, and, of course, a portion of 
honor." 

On the seventeenth of February Commander Perry 
received the formal orders, which he had long hoped for, 
attaching him to Commodore Chauncey's command. He 
was directed to proceed at once to Sackett's Harbor, the 
naval station on Lake Ontario, where he would receive 
further instructions from the commodore with regard 
to the creation of the fleet on Lake Erie. The little 
force under his command Avas in such a state of pre- 
paredness to move in any direction, and he was so eager 
to reach the scene which held out to him the prospect 
of hard fighting and attendant honor, that he dispatched 
that very day, notwithstanding the severity of the 
weather, a detachment of fifty men and officers under 
the command of Sailing-master Almy. Two days after 
he dispatched a second detachment of fifty men under 
Sailing-master Champlin ; and on the twenty-first the 
remaining fifty were sent out under the command of 
Sailing-master Taylor. This divisional arrangement 
was adopted to increase the facility of procuring con- 
veyance and accommodation on the road. They were 
directed to proceed to Albany by the way of Providence. 
As the streams were completely frozen over they were 



53 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

oblijiod to travel by land; and at that period in the 
settlement of our country, this was a journey of no little 
Imrdship and fatigue. The best of order and good 
humor, however, prevailed among the bands of adven- 
turers, to whom the whole expedition, which they termed 
a ''land cruise," seemed more a frolic than a movement 
of stern war. 

On the morning of the twenty-second of February, 
a day which augurs well for the success of an American 
enterprise, the commander himself was ready to de- 
part ; and he turned over the command of the little 
flotilla to the officer next in rank. Tearing himself 
from the comforts of home and endearments of a young 
wife and promising son, he set off on his expedition 
into the wilderness, sharing the hardships of the jour- 
ney in like manner with his intrepid followers. In 
crossing to Narragansett in his open boat, he encount- 
ered a violent rain storm, but continued on to Pawca- 
tuck, and thence to New London and Lebanon. At the 
latter place he stopped for a few hours to visit his father 
and mother, before entering on so perilous a service 
from which he might not return. Early in the evening 
he left for Hartford in an open sleigh, taking with him 
a young brother, James Alexander, then a lad of less 
tlinn twelve years. Travelling thus until midnight they 
arrived at ILartford, having suffered severely from the 
intense cold. From there they took the mail route to 
Albany in a somewhat more comfortable manner. 

At Albany the young commander learned that Com- 
modore Chauncey, who had been on a trip to New York, 
had not yet returned to the bleak and drearv' shores of 
Lake Ontario. So he resolved to await his coming be- 
foic jtroceeding further, in order that he might sooner 
become a((iuainted with the commodore's plans. In 
three days the commodore arrived at Albany, and the 
same afternoon, being the twenty-eighth of February, 
Perry set out with his followers for Sackett's Harbor. 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE 53 

Turning their backs on the borders of civilization and 
plunging into the wilderness, the little band of patriots 
made their way along the valley of the Mohawk, for the 
most part travelling in rude sleighs through the dense 
woods and over corduroy roads, but at times breaking 
through thick underbrush on foot. Nothing relieved 
the loneliness of their journey as they hastened onward, 
save the occasional whir of birds startled from their 
covert by the unwonted sight of man, or the less fre- 
quent howl of wild beasts from the depths of the forest. 
Sometimes they caught fleeting glimpses of savages as 
they hovered around the trail, with the desire for 
plunder and murder depicted on their scowling visages. 

Journeying under such difficulties they at length 
came to Lrake Oneida, which they crossed on the ice, 
and followed the trail along the Oswego River to its 
mouth, thence, skirting the bleak shores of Lake Ontario 
they arrived at Sackett's Harbor on the night of the 
third of March. The reception they met by the towns- 
folk was anything but cordial, as the principal business 
of the settlers was smuggling, and the arrival of United 
States officers was looked upon Avith suspicion and dis- 
trust. Commander Perry had scarcely reached his 
quarters when the alarm gun was fired to announce an 
attack by the British who hovered near. He hastened 
on board the sloop-of-war Madison, only to find the crew 
at quarters and everything in good order; and was in- 
formed that the alarm had been occasioned by a sentinel 
firing at someone who had attempted to pass his post. 
Commodore Chauncey, who had followed hard after the 
first party, arrived on the scene a few hours later. 

It was indeed fortunate for the American arms that, 
soon after the commencement of the war, the govern- 
ment perceived the importance of securing the command 
of the Great Lakes. A sanguinary conflict had been 
raging for months, and its commencement on the 
Niagara frontier and in the Northwest was character- 



54 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

ized by defeat, disa.Kter, and disgrace. The inglorious 
surrender of the fortress of Detroit, and the consequent 
uncontrolled possession of the vast Northwest Territory 
by tlie enemy, smote the nation with dismay, and covered 
tiie whok' land with conscious humiliation. Our whole, 
extended frontier from Lake Ontario to Arkansas was 
at once thrown open to tlie stroke of the tomahawk, and 
laid bare and defenseless to the merciless incursions 
of the siivage foe. The course of the enemy, leagued 
with tlieir savage allies, was everywhere marked with 
rai)ine, massacre and devastation. The heartrending 
tragedy of the River Raisin and other doomed localities, 
f()lh)wed in succession. (Ymsternation and alarm every- 
wliere j)revaih'd. Thousands of settlers were compelled 
to flee from their peaceful abodes, and leave their cabins, 
villages, and crops to wanton conflagration. Deeds of 
cniclty and unutterable horror were enacted, which 
rtlled the nation with despair. The authority and pro- 
tection of the United States had almost ceased within 
its borders; and the entire possession of the Lakes re- 
mained in undisputed control of the foe, with power to 
descend at any moment, with their combined forces, 
upon any portion of our exposed frontier. The crisis 
<lemanded vigorous action, combined with valor and 
talent to direct it. The command of the Lakes had 
become indispensable to the recovery of the Northwest. 
In view of this, the creation of the American fleet, the 
timber for which was then growing in the wilderness, 
was ordered l)y our government as well for the purpose 
of protection as invasion. 

Such weie the scenes along the lake shores, and 
such were tlie conditions of warfare, when Oommodore 
Cliauncey was designated to command the naval forces 
on the Lakes. In October, 1812, he had proceeded to 
Lake Ontario, where at Sackett's TTarbor, a small naval 
station had l»een established. The location of this post 
was at the lower end of the lake, and not far from where 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE 55 

its waters pour into the St. Lawrence. Here lie had 
found a force of about seven hundred seamen and one 
hundred and fifty marines, besides a number of ship- 
builders and carpenters who displayed the greatest 
activity in building and fitting out of a fleet which 
might give them the dominion of Lake Ontario. Out of 
the primitive forest they had made their shipyard, from 
green timber and newly-felled trees they had constructed 
a few vessels, the noise of the hammer and saw re- 
sounding from morning until dark. The season, how- 
ever, was far advanced, and no naval operations of any 
importance were undertaken during the remainder of 
the year. 

Further westward, on Lake Erie, the British, after 
the unfortunate surrender of General Hull at Detroit, 
had undisputed command; and the American brig 
Adams, afterward called the Detroit, had fallen into 
their hands. This vessel and the brig Caledonia, both 
well armed and manned and having forty American 
prisoners on board, sailed down the lake, and on the 
morning of the eighth of October, 1812, anchored at the 
head of the Niagara, under the protection of the guns 
of Fort Erie. For several months previous, Lieutenant 
Jesse D. Elliott had been actively engaged in fitting out 
a few small schooners for naval service, the little dock- 
yard and base of supplies being located at Black Rock, 
directly across the river. Prompted by a very laudable 
impulse, and with the conviction that, with the two 
British vessels added to those he already had, he would 
be able to meet the remainder of the enemy's fleet on 
the upper lakes, he resolved to make an attack, and, 
if possible, capture them. 

On the morning of their arrival, he learned that a 
detachment of seamen, for which he had long waited, 
was approaching over the rough post road from the 
East. To hurry them on, in order that he might make 



56 p LIVER HAZARD PERRY 

an iinme<liate attack on the British vessels, he sent a 
courier to the officers, urging them to use all possible 
dispatch in getting to this place. But they had 
travelled more than five hundred miles through the 
almost unbroken wilderness, and arrived at the post of 
Hlack Rock worn out and disheartened by the hard- 
ships of the long journey. The sun was then at 
meridian, and there was little time for rest and refresh- 
ment. To add to the difficulties the fifty seamen were 
poorly clad, some being in rags; and they were poorly 
armed, having only twenty pistols and neither cutlasses 
nor battle axes. The well fed and conditioned soldiers 
of the little post looked upon this motley crowd of 
sailors, once the jaunty tars of the Atlantic, with pity 
and comi)assi()n. They shared with them their scanty 
supplies of clothing; and, upon request, General Smyth 
of (he regulars and General Hall of the militia, supplied 
Lieutenant Elliott with a few stands of arms. The 
former at once detached fifty of the regulars armed with 
muskets, to aid in the enterprise. Late in the after- 
noon Elliott had his little company, thus reinforced, 
stationed in the two boats, which he had previously pre- 
pared for the purpose, and ready for the hazardous 
undertaking. 

At one o'clock on the morning of the ninth, they 
s<'t off from the mouth of Buffalo Creek, and with 
muffk'd oars moved silently out into the lake. By 
keeping close to the shore they soon entered the river, 
and at three o'clock were alongside the Detroit and 
Calvdoma. Taken completely by surprise the small 
force on each vessel at once surrendered. "In about ten 
minutes," says Lieutenant Elliott in his official report, 
"I lia«l the ])risoners all secured, the topsails sheeted 
home, and the vessels under way. Unfortunately the 
wind was not sufficiently strong to get me up against 
the rapid current into the lake, where I understood 
another armcHl ves.sel lay at anchor, and I was obliged 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE . 57 

to run down the river by the forts, under a heavy fire 
of round, grape, and canister from a number of pieces 
of heavy ordnance, and several pieces of flying artillery ; 
was compelled to anchor at a distance of four hundred 
yards from two of their batteries. * * * The Caledonia 
had been beached in as safe a position as circumstances 
would admit, under one of our batteries at Black Rock. 
I now brought all the guns of the Detroit on one side 
next the enemy, stationed the men at them, and directed 
a fire which was continued as long as our ammunition 
lasted and circumstances permitted. During the con- 
test I endeavored to get the Detroit on our side by 
sending a line (there being no wind) on shore, with 
all the line I could muster, but the current being so 
swift, the boat could not reach the shore. I then hauled 
on shore and requested that warps should be made fast 
to the land, and sent on board, the attempt to do which 
proved useless. As the fire was such as would, in all 
probability, sink the vessel in a short time, I deter- 
mined to drift down the river out of the reach of the 
batteries, and make a stand against the flying artillery. 
I accordingly cut the cable and made sail with very light 
airs, and at that instant discovered that the pilot had 
abandoned me, when I was brought up on our shore on 
Squaw Island; got a boarding boat made ready, had 
all the prisoners put in and sent on shore with direc- 
tions for the officers to return for me and what prop- 
erty we could get from the brig. He did not return 
owing to the difficulty of the boat getting ashore. Dis- 
covering a skiff under the counter, I sent the remaining 
prisoners in the boat, and, with my officer, I went on 
shore to bring the boat off. * * * During the whole 
morning both sides of the river kept up, alternately, a 
constant fire on the brig, and so much injured her that 
it was impossible to float her. Before I left she had 
received twelve shot of large size in her bends, her 
sails in ribbons, and her rigging all cut to pieces." 



58 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

As oveuinj; approached, obse^^ing• an evident in- 
tention of the eueuiv to board the Detroit and remove 
the ordnance and stores, with which she was charged, 
Elliott deteriuiiKHl at once to save what he conld of 
these sui)plies and to set the vessel on fire. There were 
five 12-pounders in her hold, and six 6-pounder long 
guns on deck, besides a quantity of muskets, pistols, 
and battles axes, all of which were much needed in the 
defense af Black Rock. He therefore set off from 
shore under cover of darkness, recovered what he could 
of the supplies before the enemy appeared, and set the 
ship afii'e in a dozen places. As the flames leaped and 
roared through the rigging, lighting up the river from 
bank to bank, the intrepid seamen pulled with might 
and main for our side, and landed in safety. The brig 
Caledonia, which had been saved intact, mounted two 
small guns, calbnl "blunderbusses," and had a supply 
of small arms and a cargo of furs valued, it was esti- 
mated, at two hundred thousand dollars. Besides the 
release of the forty American prisoners, conveyed by 
the caiilured vessels, the night attack of Elliott and his 
valiant followers resulted in the capture of seventy 
British seamen and officers, who were turned over to 
tile militaiy force. Although this narrative of the ex- 
ploit of Lieutenant Elliott has little to do with the 
story of the renowned Perry, it is important as show- 
ing the calibre and character of the men who after- 
ward were in his command; and it records the l>egin- 
ning of the effective naval force on the lake. The 
CaJedouUi was a valuable prize and afterward was one 
<tf (lie piincipal vessels of Perry's fleet in the Battle 
of r.ak<' lOrie. 

On tiie very tlay, the twenty-second of February, 
tliat Commander Perry left Newport for Sackett's 
Harbor, the British 4'rosse<l the St. Lawrence and, after 
a sharp conllict, succeeded in capturing Ogdensburg. 
For some time after, considerable anxietv was felt for 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE 59 

the safety of Sackett's Harbor, as it was believed that 
the British would follow up the advantage thus gained 
by attacking this place, in order to destroy the small 
squadron and the vessels on the stocks. This result 
would give them the command of the lake during the 
approaching campaign. On this account Commander 
Perry was detained at Sackett's Harbor, although it 
was his extreme desire to proceed at once to his new 
post on Lake Erie. Commodore Chauncey told him, 
however, that it was probable that an attack would be 
made on the vessels in the harbor, in which event he 
would need his services, and presumed that he, Perry, 
would want to be there. This, the young master-com- 
mandant assured him, was conclusive. But the ex- 
pected attack did not take place, and the enemy soon 
after recrossed the river into their own territory. 

As soon as it was known that the British had 
abandoned the supposed enterprise. Commander Perry 
was dispatched to Presq'ile, or Erie, where a naval 
station had already been established. He left Sackett's 
Harbor on the sixteenth of March, with instructions to 
hasten the construction of the vessels then building and 
to provide for their equipment. This was exactly to 
his liking, and, hastening on, he arrived at Buffalo on 
the twenty-fourth. After spending a. day examining the 
gunboats at the little dock yard at Black Rock, which 
formed the neucleus of his fleet, and making arrange- 
ments for having stores sent to Erie, he set out in a 
sleigh over the last stretch of his long journey. Travel- 
ling over the frozen lake he reached Cattaraugus at 
nightfall. There he learned from the innkeeper that 
the British were planning to attack and destroy the 
vessels under construction at Erie. His informant had 
recently been on the Canadian shore, and particular in- 
quiries had been made as to the vessels building at Erie, 
and of the force stationed there for their protection. 



6o OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

At tliis point iu the narrative it is interesting to 
trace the (iri<iiu of these first vessels built for war, which 
comprised Perry's famous fleet on the lake. Late in 
the S])rinji: of 1812 three hardy voyageurs left the 
struggling settlement of Erie on a trading expedition to 
Michilimackinac, at which place they arrived in time 
to see the post fall into the hands of the British, and 
to find themselves prisoners of war. Their little vessel 
was taken as a transport to convey the prisoners and 
non-combatants to Fort Erie, but at Detroit it was 
overhauled, only to be recaptured soon after when Hull 
surrendered that post. The traders, however, managed 
to escape, and, after enduring many hardships, made 
their way to Erie. The officer commanding the military 
forces of the district was so impressed with the graphic 
account of their experiences, and believing that it would 
be of value to the government, that he sent one of the 
men, Daniel Dobbins by name, to Washington with dis- 
patches. The narrative of this eyewitness to the capture 
of both the American outposts so affected President 
Madison and the secretary of the navy, Paul Hamilton, 
that they determined on vigorous action which resolved 
itself into a plan, strongly urged by Dobbins, that a 
powerful tleet be built on Lake Erie to sweep the enemy 
from the lakes. 

Soon after, Dobbins returned to Erie bearing a com- 
mission of sailing-master in the navy, and with instruc- 
tions to build two gunboats under orders of Commodore 
riiaunccy at Sackett's Harbor. No shipwrights were 
then to 1m' had along the frontier, so he gathered a few 
house carpenters and began the work of cutting out the 
timl)ers and slieatliing for his little gunboats. It was 
a slow and laborious task with the rude appliances at 
hand, yet lie had made such headway by January, when 
the coniiiiochn'e came to Erie, that he was ordered to 
build a third gunboat and to cut the material for two 
gun brigs from plans furnished by Master-builder Eck- 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE 6i 

ford. The winter was unusually severe, yet in March, 
when a company of twenty-five shipwrights, in charge of 
Noah Brown, arrived on the scene from New York, the 
keels and much of the timber for the ribs were ready 
on the ground. Gathering up this green and roughly 
hewed material they bent to their tasks with a vim, and 
had the keels of the brigs nearly laid by the end of the 
month. 

Commander Perry arrived at Erie early in the eve- 
ning of the twenty-seventh of March. This place was 
an insignificant hamlet of a few log huts and a tavern 
of the same rough material, called Duncan's Erie Hotel. 
It had once been a trading post, having been established 
by the French in 1749, as one of a chain of forts, which 
they had hoped would unite the dreary expanse of 
Canada with the vast region of Louisiana. Here he 
beheld a fine illustration of the utter incapacity of the 
government for war. The little band of shipbuilders 
had done their part faithfully and well, and on the 
ways, at the mouth of Cascade Creek, were two gun- 
boats nearly planked and a third ready for planking, 
besides the work on the brigs. But he was amazed to 
find that not a gun had been provided for their arma- 
ment, not a step had been taken for their protection on 
the stocks; nor had rope or canvas been sent for the 
sails and rigging. The supervising power of the young 
commander was at once exerted, and with characteristic 
energy he took up these matters one by one. That very 
night he organized a guard out of the villagers of Erie 
to watch the vessels, so as to prevent their being fired 
by a British spy; and, before going to rest, he wrote 
the navy agent at Pittsburg to hurry on the company 
of fifty ship carpenters, which for a month had been on 
the way from Philadelphia. The next morning he dis- 
patched Sailing-master Dobbins to Buffalo, to bring on 
forty seamen from the dock yard; also some muskets 
and two twelve-pounders. 



62 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

The want of those necessaries and the distance from 
which tliey had to be supplied, convey but a faint idea 
of the arduous nature of Perry's undertaking — the 
creatinii: of a squadron of fightinp; ships in this remote 
and thiuly-popuhited region. Never were ships of war 
built under such disadvantages. The white oak, chest- 
nut, and pine were cut on the spot, and many a piece of 
timl)er which was put into the frame of the gun brigs 
late in the day, had been part of a standing tree that 
nioniinu. Xotliing in the way of iron, guns, sailcloth, 
or fordagc necessary to the equipment of ships could be 
procured within a distance of five hundred miles, and 
had to be transported through a half-settled country, 
destitute of good roads, and alTording difficult water 
communication. The iron needed for braces, gun 
mounts and pivots, chains and other uses in ship con- 
struction had to be gathered in scraps from shops, ware- 
houses and stores, and was in every conceivable shape 
from the tires of an old wagon to the rusty and worn 
out liinge of a barn door. A tliousand pounds of such 
scraps were finally secured at Buffalo and welded to- 
gether for the heavy work. The extra labor involved 
in those operations, which the deficiency of large rods 
and bars occasioned, was attended with great difficulty. 
Instead of five blacksmiths, as had been ordered from 
Philadelphia, only two came, and one was only a striker 
to the otlioi*. Afterward some men were found among 
tlio militia capable of doing such work. 

On the thirtieth of March Sailing-master Taylor 
arriv(Hl at the little shipyard from Sackett's Harbor, 
with a small company of twenty officers and men. Thus 
slightly reinforced, Commander Perry determined to 
leave this trusty otfioor in cliargo of the shipbuilding 
o])orations at Erie, and to proceeil at once to Pittsburg. 
His objoot in making the journey was to hasten on the 
carpeiiicrs, and procure the necessary stores to bo had 
there, or in Philadelphia. He therefore sot out the 



CREATING A NAVAL FORCE 63 

following day, and arrived at Pittsburg on the fourth 
of April. There he arranged for the forwarding of 
ropes, cables, sails, anchors, and guns and muskets, 
and many articles needed for the equipment of the ships. 
He passed two days in the workshops of the mechanics 
who were making these things, and gave them minute 
details of preparing the articles for his use, the needs 
of which they were wholly unacquainted. He procured 
from the commissary of ordnance of the army the loan 
of four small guns and some muskets for the defense of 
Erie. This officer also volunteered to look after the 
casting of the shot which would be required for the 
squadron; and he rendered valuable service in supply- 
ing military stores for the fleet, for which he received 
the warmest thanks of the generous Perry. 

But the ship carpenters, upon whom he depended to 
rush the construction of the brigs, he found, to his 
great annoyance, had been separated from their tools. 
They had been sent on to Erie, over the rough post 
road, while the all important implements of their trade 
had been forwarded by a water route in a round-about 
way, and could not reach Erie as soon as they. To add 
to his vexation, the block-makers from Philadelphia had 
gone astray on the road, and had not yet arrived at 
Pittsburg. There was nothing else he could do but 
urgently impress all the persons engaged in making the 
articles of equipment, of the necessity of having them 
finished and on the way to Erie by the first of May. 
Commander Perry then left Pittsburg and, after a 
tedious journey through the wilderness, arrived at Erie 
on the tenth of April. He was pleased to note that con- 
struction of the vessels had been much advanced during 
his absence; but the muskets and powder and balls, 
which he had ordered from Buffalo, for their protection, 
he learned, could not be procured there. It was fortu- 
nate that by forethought he had secured the necessary 
arms at Pittsburg, and, ere long, he was able to equip 



64 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

a company which could offer a resistance of consider- 
able stren«ith to an armed force of the enemy, bent on 
destroying his ships. To further strengthen his defen- 
sive force, General ^Nfeade, who commanded the militia 
of that district, sent five hundred men fully armed to 
the little garrison at Erie. 

Tender the cheering influence of Perry, the work 
proceeded with harmonious diligence. From the fact 
that he was the well-spring of confidence, he turned 
everything to good account. His ability to plan, to 
supervise^ tlie work, to inspire his men with patriotic 
enthusiasm, and to carry his operations to a successful 
issue, was as remarkable, as the result was of value to 
his country. Early in May the work on the three gun- 
boats of schooner rig was so far advanced that they w^ere 
launched into the waters of the creek, and fully equipped 
for service. At this time the two gun brigs were being 
rajudly planked up with oak, while the decks were being 
laid with pine. They were stoutly built from the same 
plans and specifications, and were one hundred and 
forty-one feet in greatest length, thirty feet beam, and 
of four hundred and eighty tons measurement. They 
were designed to carry an armament of twenty guns 
each, ten arranged on a broadside; and were identical 
in equipment and sailing power. At sunset of the 
twenty-third, they were ready for launching, and the 
next morning were allowed to slip into their natural 
element. The event was not lacking the manifestations 
of joy which the stirring scene invited, and the loud 
shouts of the militiamen, the workmen, and the 
assembled vilhigers "made the welkin ring." At this 
happy moment rommander Perry receivcxl a message 
from (Nmimodorc (Muiuncey that Fort George, the 
British outpost at the outlet of the Niagara, was to be 
attacked in the course of a few days by the American 
army, with the aid of the fleet under his command on 
Lake Out^irio. 



CHAPTER V 

Arming and Manning the Lake Erie Fleet 

HAVING been promised by Commodore Chauncey 
the command of the seamen and marines that 
might be landed from the fleet, in the attack on 
Fort George, Commander Perry, without hesitation, de- 
termined to join him. His own arduous duties in equip- 
ping the fleet were not enough, it would seem, to sat- 
isfy his craving for conquest, but he must travel nearly 
one hundred and fifty miles by tempestuous lake and 
deep forest to another station, "to meet the enemies of 
his country." Seldom has history recorded similar in- 
stances of devotion to a well-fixed purpose of meeting 
the enemy whenever and wherever they may be found. 
As soon as night closed in, he accordingly left Erie in 
a four-oared open boat, and, encountering head winds 
and squalls throughout the long dark night and weary- 
ing day, he arrived at length at Buffalo late on the 
following night. The next morning, being much re- 
freshed, he proceeded down the Niagara in his open 
boat, for a considerable distance within musket shot of 
the British lines, and landed safely above the rapids in 
a violent rain storm. No horse being found at this 
place. Perry set out at once on foot, but was overtaken 
about three miles down the rough trail by one of his 
sailors who had caught an old pacer, which could not 
run away, and brought it to him. Without a saddle and 
only a rope for a bridle, he continued on and rode un- 
ceremoniously and thoroughly wet into the camp of the 
army, off which the Madison lay. 

65 



66 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

After innumerable difficulties he reached the ship 
on the evening of the twenty-sixth, and surprised the 
commodore and all the officers of the squadron, who 
were assembled to receive orders for the attack. The 
commodore greeted him joyously with the observation 
that "no person on earth at this particular time could 
be more welcome." This remark he more than once 
repeated. As soon as they were alone the commodore 
informed tlie young commander of his plans in detail, 
and they were most judicious. The storming of Fort 
George is briefly described in one of Perry's letters sent 
home, and found among his papers. It is by far the 
most illuminating story of this important engagement 
that ever was written. As he had an aversion to the 
use of his pen, and, as the document is so characteristic 
of the man, a portion of the letter is transcribed. It 
sheds no little lustre on the fame of Perry, and exhibits 
liis conduct and chai*acter in a new and admirable light : 

"It was eventually arranged that five hundred sea- 
men and mai'ines should be landed from the vessels, to 
be under my command, to act with Colonel M'Comb's 
regiment. The seamen were only to use the boarding- 
pike. Thus we had everything arranged on our part. 
At three in the morning we were called. It was calm 
with a thick mist. At daylight the commodore directed 
the schooners to take the stations which had been pre- 
viously assigned them as soon as possible, and com- 
mence a fire upon the enemy's batteries. At the saine 
time he asked me if I would go on shore, see General 
lAnvis, hurry the embarcation, and bring the general 
off with me. This I did. I found that many of the 
troops had not yet got into their boats. General Lewis 
accompanied me on board the Madison. General Dear- 
born had gone on board previously. The ship was 
under way, with a light breeze from the eastward, quite 
fair for us; a thick mist lianging over Newark and Fort 
Gwrge, the sun breaking through in the east, the vessels 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 67 

all under way, the lake covered with several hundred 
small boats, filled with soldiers, horses, and artillery, 
advancing toward the enemy, altogether formed one of 
the grandest spectacles I ever beheld. The breeze now 
freshened a little, which soon brought us opposite the 
town of Newark. The landing place fixed upon was 
about two miles from the town, up the Niagara. The 
commodore, observing some of the schooners taking a 
T\Tong position, requested me to go in shore and direct 
them where to anchor. I immediately jumped into a 
small boat, and, in passing through the fiat boats, I saw 
Colonel Scott and told him I would be off to join him 
and accompanj^ him on shore. When I got on board the 
Ontario I found her situation and the Asps\, and 
directed them to get under way and anchor at a place 
I pointed out to the commanding officers, where they 
could enfilade the forts. 

"The enemy had no idea our vessels could come so 
near the shore as they did, many of them anchoring 
within half-musket shot. I pulled along the shore 
within musket shot, and observed a position where one 
of the schooners could act with gTeat effect. I directed 
her commander to take it. This was so that he could 
play directly in the rear of the fort. On opening this 
fire, the consequence was such as I had imagined. The 
enemy could not stand to load their guns, and were 
obliged to leave the fort precipitately. I then pulled 
off to the ship, and, after conversing with the commo- 
dore and General Dearborn, and observing to the latter 
that the boats of the advanced guard were drifting to 
leeward very fast; they would if not ordered immed- 
iately to pull to windward, fall too far to leeward to be 
under the cover of the schooners, and wonid take those 
in the reai* still further to leeward, he begged me to go 
and get them to windward. I jumped into my boat and 
pulled for the advanced guard, took Colonel Scott (Win- 
field Scott) into my boat, and, with much difficulty we 



68 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

convinced the officers and soldiers of the necessity of 
keeping more to windward. 

"As soon as we got tliem into a proper position, T 
pulled ahead for the schooner nearest in shore, and 
the advanced guard pushed for the shore. On getting 
alongside the schooner, the man at the masthead told me 
the whole British army was rapidly advancing for the 
point of landing. Knowing many of the officers had 
believed the British would not make a stand, and, as 
they could not be seen by the boats, being behind a 
bank, I pulled as quickly as possible to give Scott notice, 
that his men might not be surprised by the ox>ening of 
the enemy's fire. He was on the right and the schooner 
on the left. This obliged me to pull the whole length 
of the line, and, as the boats were in no regular order, 
I had to pull ahead of one and astern of another. Be- 
fore I got up to Scott, although within a boat or two, 
the enemy appeared on the bank and gave us a volley. 
Nearly the whole of their shot went over our heads. 
Our troops appeared to be somewhat confused, firing 
without order and without aim. I was apprehensive 
they would kill each other, and hailed them to pull away 
for the shore, many of the boats having stopped rowing. 
They soon recovered, and pulled for the shore with great 
spirit. General Boyd led his brigade on in a most 
gallant manner, under a very heavy fire, it having 
suffered more severely than any other. Fortunately, 
the enemy, from apprehension of the fire from the 
schooners, kept back until our troops were within fifty 
yards of the schooners; this deceived them, and their 
fire was thrown over our heads. 

"I remained encouraging the troops to advance until 
the first brigade landed, when, observing the schooners 
did not fire briskly, from the apprehension of injuring 
our own troops, I went on board the Hamilton, of nine 
guns, commanded by Lieutenant Macpherson, and 
openwl a tremendous fire of grape and canister. About 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 69 

the time I got on board the schooner, our troops had at- 
tempted to form on the bank; probably a hundred got 
up. They were obliged to retreat under the bank, 
where they were completely sheltered from the effect of 
the enemy's fire. The enemy could not stand the united 
effect of the grape and canister from the schooner, and 
of the well-directed fire from the troops, but broke and 
fled in great confusion, we pljang them with round shot. 
Our troops then formed on the bank. General Lewis 
came on board the schooner from the ship at this time. 
After waiting a few moments, and observing the dis- 
position of things on shore, he landed. I landed at the 
same time." 

The British, meanwhile, retreated to Fort George, 
where they fired the magazines and hurried precipitately 
toward Queenstown. They were pursued for some dis- 
tance by the light cavalry; but the main troops were 
too much fatigued, after nearly twelve hours of con- 
tinuous exertion, to join in the pursuit. The total loss 
to the American forces was thirty-nine killed, and one 
hundred and eleven wounded ; while that of the British 
was one hundred and eight killed, one hundred and 
sixty-three wounded, and two hundred and seventy-eight 
prisoners, exclusive of about five hundred militia 
paroled by General Dearborn. 

The next day, being the twenty-eighth of May, Gen- 
eral Lewis, with a large part of the troops, followed 
up the pursuit of the enemy beyond Queenstown. At 
Beaver Dam the British made a stand, to protect their 
depot of supplies and military stores situated there, 
and were reinforced by three hundred regulars from 
Kingston and the remaining force of militia. It was 
supposed that they would resolve to await the arrival 
of the American forces, and risk an action, but they 
determined otherwise. Packing up their supplies and 
stores they sent them ahead, and, breaking up their 
camp, they retreated along the ridge towards the head 



7o OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

of Lake Ontario. General Lewis, having ascertained 
beyond doubt that the British had fled, and that Fort 
Erie had been evacuated, returned with his troops to 
Fort George. Fort Erie was taken possession of at 
the same time by a party of Americans from Black Rock. 
Of the services of Commander Perry on this occasion 
Commodore Chauncey spoke in the highest terms of ap- 
preciation. In liis official report of the naval opera- 
tions, he commended the young commander for joining 
him from Erie and volunteering his services, and ac- 
knowledged tlie valuable aid he rendered in directing 
the debarcation of the troops. In conclusion he wrote 
of him, that "he was present at every point where he 
could be useful, under showers of musketry, but fortu- 
nately escaped unhurt." 

The capture of Fort George and the evacuation of 
Fort Erie were attended by important consequences. 
The whole frontier on the Niagara was now in the posses- 
sion of the Americans, who were left in complete control 
of the navigation of the river. From this fact Perry 
was able to turn his valuable services before Fort 
George to good account for his duty on Lake Erie. The 
first fruits of his enterprise was that he could now re- 
move from Black Rock into Lake Erie the four small 
vessels fitted out by Lieutenant Elliott, and the 
Caledonia which had been captured by this officer the 
year before. These vessels had hitherto been blockaded 
by the enemy's guns at Fort Erie, and could become of 
use only in the event of the enemy being driven from 
the o])])osite shore. This event having actually 
occurre<l, Commander Perry was dispatched on this 
service by Commodore Chauncey, on the twenty-eighth 
of :\r;iy, wilh a company of officers and fifty men. 

Tlie task, however, was one of no little difficulty. 
The current of the Niagara at this place varied from 
five to s<'V(Mi knots an hour, and to drag the vessels 
lalKU'lously against it required the united exertions of 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 71 

the seamen and a party of two hundred soldiers, under 
the command of Captains Brevoort and Young, which 
had been assigned by General Dearborn for the defense 
of the vessels while on the way to Erie. This was the 
means employed by La Salle, in 1679, to bring the 
G-riffin, the first vessel ever to unfurl sails to the winds 
of the inland seas, from the mouth of Chippewa River, 
through these same rapids into Lake Erie. With all 
the stores in the navy yard at Black Rock on board, 
the vessels were deep in the water, but they were finally 
tracked up the current with the aid of oxen, although 
the toilsome task required nearly two weeks. In writ- 
ing to the commodore about the difficulties. Perry pro- 
nounced the fatigue "almost incredible." 

On the night of the fourteenth of June, all having 
been made ready, he set sail from Buffalo Creek and 
put forth boldly into the lake destined for the Bay of 
Presq'ile. His little squadron had altogether but eight 
guns, and consisted of the brig Caledonia, of three long 
24-pounders, the schooners Somers, of two long 32- 
pounders. Tigress and Ohio, of one 24-pounder each, 
and the sloop Trippe, of one long thirty-two. New 
perils and anxieties rolled in upon them with every 
wave. Head winds and heavy seas baffled them for 
days, during one of which they made but twenty-five 
miles. To add to their dangers and perplexities, the 
British flleet, under Captain Finnis, a skilful and expe- 
rienced officer, was scouring the lake to intercept them. 
This naval force was six times stronger than Perry's 
and consisted of the ship Queen Charlotte, of four hun- 
dred tons measurement and seventeen guns, the schooner 
Lady Prevost, of two hundred and thirty tons and thir- 
teen guns, the brig Hunter, of ten guns, and the 
schooners Little Belt of three guns, and the Chippeway, 
of one gun. But Perry, by a skilful display of vigilance, 
eluded the enemy in the night, due in a measure to the 
insignificant character of his vessels, and finally gained 



72 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

the harbor of Erie in the evening of the eighteenth, just 
as the British sciuadron hove in sight. During this 
tempestuous voyage, in which the little vessels were 
hufTcted about by l>oisterous winds, their commander 
was seized with "lake fever"; but by an indomitable will, 
although laboring under greatly increased exertions, he 
kept coniinand of his squadron until it was safely 
anchored in the quiet waters of the bay. 

On his arrival at Erie Commander Perry found a 
letter from the secretary of the navy, in which he was 
highly commended for his conduct in the operations be- 
fore Fort George, and also for his enterprise in creat- 
ing an etfcctive naval force on Lake Erie. How grati- 
fying this must have been to our young commander, 
worn by incessant exertion of all his faculties, night 
watching, and unending care, and suffering from fever 
and physical exhaustion. In his reply he expressed a 
iMi'oming sense of the responsibility of his position, and 
assured the secretary that no diligence or exertion of 
which he was capable should be wanting to promote the 
honor of the service. He impai-ted the information that 
one of the brigs was completely rigged and had her 
guns mounted, while the other would be in like condi- 
tion witliin a week. Such progress had been made on 
the siiils that it was confidently believed that they would 
be completed by the time the anchors and the shot ar- 
rived from Pittsburg. All the vessels, he concluded, 
would be ready for service in one day after the reception 
of the crews. 

Although the ten vessels of his little fleet were now 
Rafely assembled in the land-locked harbor, and the 
work of equipping tliem was going on rapidly, there 
could l)e no ])aiis(' in his ctTorts, Uw there was no end 
to his ditTiculties. As yet only one hundred and ten 
officers and men had been sent to man the vessels, and 
these inclmlcd the tifty seamen brought by the squad- 
ron fiom Black Rock. To add to this deficiencv nearly 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 73 

one-half of the men were sick with fever, and about 
thirty were considered as not only entirely useless at 
the time, but likely to continue so. But the splendid 
example of their youthful commander sustained the 
spirit of the workmen, who toiled on far into the night 
without a murmur, and not one deserted. Writing to 
the commodore of the situation, on the twenty-seventh 
of June, he told him, "from sickness and other causes, 
we cannot muster more than fifty or sixty men who are 
of any service to us; and these work almost day and 
night." 

By the tenth of July all the vessels were fully 
equipped and armed, and, had crews been provided for 
them, could have gone out to battle with the enemy. 
But there were barely enough men altogether for one 
of the brigs. This was the situation when the two hun- 
dred soldiers under the command of Captain Brevoort, 
who had been acting as marines, were ordered back to 
Fort George. This gallant officer, however, was per- 
mitted to remain attached to the fleet, because of his 
familiarity with the navigation of Lake Erie, having for 
more than a year been commander of the brig Adams, 
in the transportation of military supplies. The boats 
which took the party to Buffalo were left to bring up the 
officers and men, to the number of three hundred and 
fifty, which were so anxiously expected from Lake On- 
tario. They did not come, however, and, to supply in 
some measure the lack of marines. Lieutenant Brooks 
was directed to enlist as many men as he could in Erie. 
He eventually recruited about forty men, at ten dollars 
a month, for four months' service, or until after a naval 
engagement; and supplemented a. small detachment 
which he had brought from Pittsburg. 

A letter from Commodore Chauncey to the secretary 
of the navy, under date of July eighth, throws some 
light on the question of men for Perry's fleet. "I am at 
a loss," he wrote, "to account for the change in Captain 



74 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Perry's sentiments with respect to the number of men 
required for tlie little fleet at Presq'ile; for when I 
parted with him on the last of May, we coincided in 
opinion perfectly as to the number required for each 
vessel, which was one hundred and eighty for each of 
the briojs, sixty for the Caledonia, and forty of each 
of the other vessels, in all seven hundred and forty 
men and officers. But if Captain Perry can beat the 
enemy with half that number, no one will feel more 
happy tlian myself.'' 

From the most reliable information of the time, de- 
rived from letters and public records, and by retro- 
spection after a lapse of a hundred years, it seems 
probable that Commander Perry, despairing of obtain- 
ing from the commodore a full complement of men for 
his ships, had resolved to set out and meet the enemy in 
battle with the least number of men which could man- 
oeuvre the vessels in action aud fire the guns. He was 
l)r()ught to this decision, undoubtedly, by the repeated 
directions from the secretary of the navy, urgently ex- 
preswHl, to get his fleet equipped and in battle trim at 
the earliest possible moment, in order that he might co- 
operate with the army at the head of the lake, com- 
manded b}' General Harrison. 

These orders of the secretary evidently presupposed 
tluit the fleet on Lake Erie was ready for active service, 
with full crews. "These had actually been sent to Com- 
modore Chauncey," says Mackenzie, "who commanded 
on Lake Erie as well as Lake Ontario, and the neces- 
sary officers and men placed at his disposal; but so 
absorbed was he in the interest of his immediate com- 
mand (on tlie lower lake), that officers and men sent 
to him for distribution throughout the naval force sub- 
ject to his orders, were detained almost exclusively 
where he was himself present. It seems to have been 
his intention to detain the crews until the vessels on 
Lake Erie were ready to sail, in the hope of being able 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 75 

in the meantime with the full force, to overpower the 
enemy on Lake Ontario, and then repeat the same pro- 
cess in person on Lake Erie. But, independently of the 
disadvantage of keeping officers and men strangers to 
each other and to the vessels in which they were to 
sail, until the moment they were to be engaged, it was 
expecting almost a miracle that the vessels should be 
equipped in so short a time by such a small number of 
men." 

But it was by the unremitting zeal and exertions 
of the youthful Perry, although almost destitute of sub- 
ordinate officers, such as boatswains and gunners, and 
by the unceasing efforts of a handful of faithful 
followers, that the vessels were now rigged, armed, and 
ready for service. It was by attending personally to 
the minutest details, correcting some minor mistake 
here and there, pointing out a better way of doing some- 
thing else, and encouraging his sadly overworked men, 
who were strangers to murmuring, that the fleet was 
so soon prepared to meet the enemy. From every point 
of view, considering the many difficulties under which 
he labored, the creation of the fleet on Lake Erie must 
be regarded as one of the greatest achievements of 
Perry's career, and second only to his glorious and 
overwhelming victory on the lake. 

On the twelfth of July the news was received at 
Erie of the capture of the Chesapeake, and of the death 
of her gallant commander whose quenchless heroism 
mitigated in a measure the sting of defeat. In his dying 
moments he bequeathed a watchward to his countrymen, 
"Don't give up the ship," which was yet to herald the 
little fleet on the lake to victory. The brig over which 
Perry was to raise his flag was, by order of the secre- 
tary of the navy, named the Lawrence, "in honor of 
him who could die in the service of his country, but 
who could not brook defeat." The other brig, equal to 
it in size and strength, was named the Niagara. They 



76 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

carried two masts with square sails on both, and their 
armaments were alike, namely, eighteen 32-pounder 
carronades, and two long 12-pounder guns. "They were 
about equal in fighting force," observes Mahan, "to the 
ocean sloops-of-war Wasp and Hornet, which, however, 
were three-masted." The gunboats first built at Erie 
were named the Ariel, armed with four short twelves, 
and the Porcupine, with one long thirty-two; while the 
third schooner was named the Scorpion, and armed with 
one long twenty-four and one short thirty-two. 

Believing that the men he so sorely needed would 
soon be on the way. Perry dispatched a sailing-master 
to Buffalo on the eighteenth of July with two boats. 
These, with the two which had been sent down with 
the soldiers, it was thought, would be sufficient to bring 
up the seamen from Lake Ontario. Great vigilance 
would have to be exercised in returning with the men, 
on account of the enemy's squadron which was cruising 
at that end of the lake. On the twentieth the British 
force appeared off the harbor, and, with battle flags 
flying, challenged the half-manned fleet to conflict. At 
this juncture. Commander Perry addressed a letter of 
entreaty to Commodore Chauncey, in these glowing 
words : 

"Erie, 20th July, 1813. 
Sir: 

The enemy's fleet of six sail are now off the bar of 
this harbor. What a golden opportunity if we had men. 
Their object is, no doubt, either to blockade or attack 
us, or to carry provisions and reinforcements to Maiden. 
Should it be to attack us, we are ready for them. I 
am constantly looking to the eastward; every mail and 
every traveler from that quarter is looked to as the 
harbinger of the glad tidings of our men being on the 
way. I am fully aware how much your time must be 
occupied with the important concerns of the other lake. 
Give me men, sir, and I will acquire both for you and 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 77 

myself honor and glory on this lake, or perish in the 
attempt. Conceive my feelings ; an enemy within strik- 
ing distance, my vessels ready, and not men enough to 
man them. Going out with those I have Is out of the 
question. You would not suffer it were you here. I 
again ask you to think of my situation; the enemy in 
sight, the vessels under my command more than suffi- 
cient, and ready to make sail, and yet obliged to bite my 
fingers with vexation for want of men. I know, my 
dear sir, full well, you will send me the crews for the 
vessels as soon as possible, yet a day appears an age. 
I hope that the wind, or some other cause, will delay 
the enemy's return to Maiden until my crews arrive, 
and I will have tliem.'^ 

The situation of Commander Perry at this time 
must have been desperate indeed. To realize, after 
months of constant and wearying exertion, in which he 
had overcome all difficulties, that he was held back 
from meeting the enemy by the lack of men, must have 
been discouraging enough. But to think of the injus- 
tice of his superior officer, in retaining in his immed- 
iate command fully one hundred of the Rhode Island 
men, whom he had himself trained the winter before, 
and who had volunteered their services for his com- 
mand, must have filled him with righteous indignation. 
Yet not a word of complaint of this action did he utter. 
His whole correspondence shows a remarkable equani- 
mity, in which he subjugated himself and his ambition 
to the good of the service. The difficulty of lack of 
men was due primarily to the inefficiency of the navy 
department at Washington. A thoughtful secretary 
would have sent the men needed for the fleet on Lake 
Erie, direct to that station from Philadelphia, instead 
of trusting the commodore to furnish the crews from 
his command. By this procedure the detachments 
would have reached Perry as quickly as they in fact 
reached Sackett's Harbor, and he would have had the 



78 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

seasoned men intended for liis command, instead of the 
motley company with which he went into battle. 

At about this time he received repeated communica- 
tions from General Harrison, relative to the critical 
situation of his army at the head of the lake. He set 
forth the important relief that the co-operation of the 
fleet would afford him, and urged the striking of a blow 
at the enemy's squadron before they could get their new 
ship, then building at Maiden, armed and ready for 
service. The addition of this ship to their naval force 
would turn the balance, and give the British a consid- 
erable superiority. They had recently been strength- 
ened by the arrival of Captain Barclay, a distinguished 
oft'icer, who had served with Nelson at Trafalgar, to 
assume the chief command. He had brought with him 
a number of experienced officers and a party of prime 
seamen. Still, the fleet of Perry's was for the moment 
superior in number of guns, and, had the crews been 
provided, might have met the enemy with a reasonable 
chance of capturing them. But the golden opportunity, 
of which the enthusiastic Perry had mentioned, was 
allowed to pass because, as Perry wrote to the secretary 
of the na-v-y and General Harrison, he had but one hun- 
dred and twenty men fit for duty in his entire command, 
but in addition there were about fifty who were inca- 
pacitated for any service. 

The British squadron, which still hovered about the 
lake off the mouth of the harbor of Erie, became be- 
calmed on the twenty-second, and, in order to test his 
men and guns. Commander Perry boldly pulled out 
over the bar with his small schooners and hotly engaged 
the enemy with his long guns. But a breeze soon 
si)rang up and Barclay stood off into the lake, before 
either side had suffered from the exchange of shots. 
The following day Perry received a reinforcement of 
seventy officers and men sent by the commodore, to 
whom he wrote this characteristic letter : 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 79 

"Erie, July 23rd, 1813. 
Sir: 

I have this moment had the great pleasure of re- 
ceiving yours by Mr. Champlin, with the seventy men. 
The enemy are now off this harbor, with the Queen 
Charlotte, Lady Prevost, Chippewa, Erie, and Friend's 
Good Will. My vessels are all ready. For God's sake, 
and yours, and mine, send me men and officers, and I 
will have them all in a day or two. Commodore Bar- 
clay keeps just out of the reach of our gunboats. I 
am not able to ship a single man at this place. I shall 
try for volunteers for our cruise. Send on the com- 
mander, my dear sir, for the Niagara. She is a noble 
vessel. Woolsey, Brown, or Elliott, I would like to see 
amazingly. I am very deficient in officers of every kind. 
Send me officers and men, and honor Is within our 
grasp. The vessels are all ready to meet the enemy the 
moment they are officered and manned. Our sails are 
bent, provisions on board, and, in fact, everything is 
ready. Barclay has been bearding me for several days; 
and I long to have at him. However anxious I am to 
reap the reward of labor and anxiety I have had on 
this station, I shall rejoice, whoever commands, to see 
this force on the lake, and surely I had rather be com- 
manded by my friend than by any other. Barclay shows 
no disposition to avoid the contest." 

How expressive is this dispassionate letter of 
appeal. How confident is the commander in the effec- 
tive strength of his fleet; and how eager is he to meet 
the enemy the moment the vessels are officered and 
manned. Note what he says: "Send me officers and 
men and honor is within our grasp. * * * Barclay 
has been bearding me for days, and I long to have at 
him." Then he proposes to Commodore Chauncey to 
come himself and take command, hoping thereby to get 
his fleet properly manned. For the general good and 
the honor of the service, he offers to sink himself into 



8o OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

a subordinate, and forego the present hope of glory and 
renown, if only their force may meet the enemy and 
sweep them from the lake. This letter reveals most 
vividly the true character and high impulse of the 
officer and the man. 

A day or two after this was written he was goaded 
again by an appeal from Assistant Adjutant- general 
Holmes, by order of General Harrison, informing him 
that if the fleet would sail up the lake, the enemy would 
be compelled either to retreat precipitately, or suffer 
the ultimate necessity of surrendering. He concluded 
his letter with this expression of confidence: "I feel 
great pleasure in conveying to you an assurance of the 
general's perfect conviction that no exertion will be 
omitted on your part to give the crisis an issue of profit 
and glory to our country." Realizing that the situation 
of the army at the head of the lake was growing more 
critical as the weeks of waiting passed, Perry again 
wrote Commodore Chauncey: 

"Erie, 26th July, 1813. 
Sir: 

I have this moment received, by express, the en- 
closed letter from General Harrison. If I had officers 
and men, and I have no doubt you will send them, I 
could fight the enemy and proceed up the lake. But, 
having no one to command the Niagara, and only one 
commissioned lieutenant, and two acting lieutenants, 
whatever my wishes may be, going out is out of the 
question. The men that came by Mr. Champlin are a 
motley set — blacks, soldiers, and boys. I cannot think 
you saw them after they were selected. I am, however, 
pleased to see anything in the shape of a man." 

The British fleet, meanwhile, under the command of 
Captain Barclay, continued in the offing with colors 
displayed in defiance, in the evident hope that the Amer- 
icans would be drawn out to a decisive conflict. But 



ARMING THE LAKE ERIE FLEET 8i 

Perry, stimulated by impatience to get at them, and 
beginning, perhaps, to have more doubt than he had 
expressed that Commodore Chauncey would send the 
officers and men so sorely needed, continued the re- 
cruiting of landsmen at Erie. On the thirtieth he re- 
ceived from the naval forces on Lake Ontario, a rein- 
forcement of sixty men in charge of Lieutenant Forrest. 
This brought the total of his force, after landing the 
confirmed invalids, to about three hundred which, 
though hardly sufficient to properly man the two brigs, 
were expected to provide also for the Caledoma and 
seven gunboats, with a total armament of fifty-five guns. 
Many of these men were, however, of a most inferior 
class, and the least desirable of all that had arrived on 
Lake Ontario; and more than one-fifth of them were 
debilitated and unfit for duty. 

The deficiency of officers to command his vessels 
was even more marked, and is clearly shown in the last 
letter to the commodore. In a letter of the thirtieth 
of July to the secretary of the navy, Perry stated that 
he had not enough officers of experience even to navi- 
gate the ships, and none to train and drill the men in 
the manual of arms. Yet, under these trying circum- 
stances, due to the neglect or avarice of a superior 
officer, and the incompetence of the secretary, these 
officials took exceptions to his earnest but respectful 
letters of appeal for men. It is the more surprising 
that such feelings should have been aroused, since 
neither was on the actual scene of operations, or near 
enough to know the needs or requirements of the fleet. 
The correspondence, however, which follows, shows the 
even temper and control of the young commander at a 
most trying time in his career. 



CHAPTER VI 

Cruising Up the Lake 

THE government and the people expected Perry to 
change the whole course of the war in the West. 
By obtaining the command of the upper lakes, 
which the British as yet possessed without dispute, he 
would open the way for the army of General Harrison 
to recover the vast territory of Michigan, which com- 
prised several of the present states along the lakes. It 
was the want of such supremacy on the water that had 
lost Hull and Winchester, and their forces, at Detroit 
and Micliilimackinac, and still impeded the purposes of 
Harrison. Without free and uninterrupted navigation 
of the lake for the transportation of military stores 
and supplies, the maintenance of the army, which was 
nearly always operating on the defensive and often 
under siege, was attended with great difficulty. Tlie 
route along the lake shore was almost impassable, and 
the line of road through the forest and prairie could be 
traced by the wrecks of wagons, clinging tenaciously 
to the rich, miry soil. Under such conditions it was 
natural that General Harrison should have looked upon 
the naval force on the lake as the savior of the critical 
situation. 

Yet, knowing the desperate condition of warfare 
and the urgent need of co-operation with Harrison's 
forces. Commodore Chauncey hesitated in his duty. To 
send (lie seasoned tars and experienced gunners, which 
were so much needed to make the fleet a powerful and 
effective* force on Lake Erie, would reduce his own com- 
mand proportionately. For months he had expected an 

82 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 83 

engagement with the British fleet on Lake Ontario, 
nnder the command of Sir James Yeo, but by strange 
procrastination he had put off meeting the enemy for 
a decisive conflict. His own situation undoubtedly was 
frought with difficulties and perplexities, and to him 
seemed of more consequence than the affairs on the 
upper lake. Being a much older and more experienced 
officer than Perry, and having the effective strength of 
his command ever in mind, he must have read the 
messages of the confident and resourceful commander 
with mingled feelings of respect, admiration, and doubt, 
with a trace of annoyance. 

"Commodore Chauncey would have been justified," 
says Mackenzie, "in taking advantage of Perry's gen- 
erous offer, conceived in the true spirit of patriotism 
and devotion to the welfare of the country, and repaired 
to Lake Erie with a sufficient force of officers and men 
to decide the contest for the superiority immediately in 
our favor." That the fate of the army under General 
Harrison was entirely dependent upon that of the fleet 
on Lake Erie, he was well aware, still he hesitated to 
take action which gave promise of affording relief to the 
disheartened land forces, and which would turn defen- 
sive tactics into strong offensive movements. He must 
have realized, furthermore, that if the British, having 
the supremacy of the lake, could invest and capture 
Fort Meigs on the Maumee, they would find themselves 
at once at the head of our great navigable rivers, and 
able to descend into the heart of our country. This 
catastrophe would give it over to devastation and all 
the horrors of savage warfare, from which the territory 
of Michigan was then suffering. 

With a high patriotic impulse and earnest desire to 
gain the supremacy of the lake, Commander Perry re- 
solved to set sail with the small crews that he had, and 
such volunteers as he could procure from the army, and 
put all to the issue of a battle. He hoped this event 



84 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

might come about before the enemy could get their new 
and heavily armed ship, which had been launched on 
the seventeenth of July, equipped and ready for service. 
With this ship, which it was supposed would mount 
about twenty guns, the enemy would have great supe- 
riority in tonnage as well in the effective force of their 
broadsides; and it was believed that they were power- 
fully manned with seasoned and experienced seamen 
and gunners. They had cruised about the lakes, were 
familiar with the coasts, and practiced in seamanship 
and gunnerj'. In several trifling encounters in annoy- 
ing the army under General Hull, while in Canada, the 
British naval force had exhibited great skill and enter- 
prise. 

"In estimating the hardihood," continues Mac- 
kenzie, "of Perry's determination to fight at once with 
a squadron but half manned with the worst materials, 
and these half crews further reduced by sickness, we 
must also take into consideration that there could have 
been but little leisure for exercising the guns or train- 
ing the boarders, pikemen, sailtrimmers, and firemen to 
the various duties essential to the offensive and defen- 
sive operations of a naval engagement. WHien the able- 
bodied men of the squadron were kept working inces- 
santly almost by day and night, humanity, as well as 
the duty of preserving them from utter exhaustion, for- 
bade any exertion, however essential, not connected with 
the urgent occupations of the moment. Still oppor- 
tunity had been found, during the last few days that the 
squadron remained in the harbor of Erie, to station the 
crews carefully at quarters, and to give them a general 
idea of all their duties. During several hours of each 
of these days the men were exercised thoroughly at the 
guns, and Perry went around in person to see that each 
man understood his peculiar duty; that the evolutions 
of loading and firing were properly performed; the ar- 
rangements perfected for passing powder without risk 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 85 

or confusion ; and the tubes, matches, and powder-horns 
were in readiness for service. The commander who del- 
egates these duties to others, who fails to attend in 
person to whatever concerns the fighting department of 
his vessel, may fatally regret his misplaced confidence 
in the hour of battle." 

The natural harbor of Erie, within which lay the 
little half-manned fleet, afforded a safe and convenient 
anchorage, and, although quite narrow at the entrance, 
it expanded into a broad and beautiful bay. This 
secluded haven of refuge was formed by a long penin- 
sula extending in a northeasterly direction along the 
shore of the lake, and received its original name, 
Presq'ile, from the French. Being situated about one- 
third the way up the lake, which is two hundred and 
sixty miles in length, and not very far from the manufac- 
turing town of Pittsburg, the place had great advantages 
for the equipment of a naval force; and its narrow 
entrance rendered the squadron less exposed to a sur- 
prise and destruction by the enemy, than at any other 
inlet on the southern shore. Across the outlet of the 
bay there was a bar, extending towards the lake for 
nearly a mile, over which the water in the channel 
varied in depth from six to ten feet. The shoal was 
formed of light shifting sand, and was affected by gales 
which sometimes caused it to reduce the depth to five 
and even four feet. It was this shoal which prevented 
the enemy from entering the bay with their vessels 
equipped and armed, and thus increased the protection 
to Perry's vessels during construction and equipment. 

But now that the time had come to get the fleet 
into the lake for active service, the sand bar became a 
serious impediment to its operations. The brigs Law- 
rence and Niagara, Avhen fully armed and provisioned, 
had a draft of nine feet, which was three or four feet 
more than the natural channel afforded. To get them 



86 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

over the bar in the face of a hostile fleet, which only 
awaited the opportunity to make a spirited attack, was 
a difficult task, and taxed the ingenuity of their re- 
sourceful commander. But difficulties and dangers are 
no obstacle to the brave and resolute, who never want 
expedients or ways and means when occasion requires 
them. It was necessary, first of all, to lighten the 
vessels by removing their armament and provisions and 
supplies, and then, to await a favorable time when the 
lake and bay should be smooth. Thus divested of their 
means of defense and embarrassed by laborious efforts 
while engaged in crossing the bar, they were open to 
attack by the enemy's fleet then blockading the port. 
That Perry expected to be engaged by them at this time 
is evident from the conclusion of a letter to the secretary 
of the navy, dated the twenty-seventh of July, in which 
he says : "We are ready to sail the instant officers and 
men arrive; and, as the enemy appear determined to 
dispute the passage of the bar with us, the question as 
to the command of the lake will soon be decided." 

The disposition of his vessels in this crisis was in- 
deed masterly. Five of the smaller gunboats, which 
could pass the bar without lightering, were sent out 
early in the morning of ^londay, the second of August, 
and anchored in a favorable position with decks cleared 
for action. These vessels, it was expected, would bear 
the l)runt of an attack and hold off tlie enemy until the 
passage of the ships could be effected. A sixth and 
larger gunboat was stationed near the Laiorence, to 
offer wliat protection was possible to an unarmed craft. 
Two other scliooners were kept inside the bar to aid the 
\iaf/ara. The guns which had been removed from the 
brigs were cleverly masked in a battery on shore to cover 
the channel, which was about five hundred yards dis- 
tant at tlie point where it issued on tlie lake. From 
I)()int to point, the mouth of the harbor, where the 
sliifting liar lay, was three-quarters of a mile wide, and 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 87 

the distance to be traversed in crossing the bar was a 
little less than a mile. 

The means employed by Perry to lift the heavy 
ships about three feet above their normal water line, 
were of the most judicious and practical nature, and 
in ingeniousness were equally creditable to his skill as 
a seaman, and to his military instinct and hardihood. 
Two large scows, or pontoons, called "camels", of suffi- 
cient capacity to displace several hundred tons of water, 
had previously been built by Noah Brown, the master 
shipbuilder. These "camels" were of simple construc- 
tion, and were long, deep boxes, made of planks and 
perfectly watertight. They had holes in the bottom to 
admit water therein, and pumps to discharge it to raise 
them so as to float with their top high above the sur- 
face of the water. 

As the sun rose on the morning of the second and 
dispelled the thin mist overhanging the lake, the smooth 
waters were clear of a sail in all directions. The re- 
lief that the intrepid commander experienced as he 
scanned the horizon in vain for a sign or indication that 
the British squadron was near, can easily be imagined. 
For the enemy had withdrawn in the night, little sus- 
pecting that Perry was about to get his fleet into the 
lake. It was afterward learned that Captain Barclay 
had given up the plan of attacking him in the harbor, 
and had accepted an invitation to dinner given in his 
honor by the villagers of Port Dover, on the Canadian 
shore. While thus pleasantly occupied by entertain- 
ments, which kept him away from the vicinity of Erie 
for three days, the resourceful Perry and his faithful 
men succeeded in getting the Lawrence over the bar 
into deep water. 

These operations were long and exceedingly ardu- 
ous. As soon as it was day the camels were run along- 
side the brig, which had been towed to the entrance of 
the channel, and the plugs withdrawn from their 



88 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

hottoin. Water was allowed to run into them until 
tlieir tops were nearly submerged. Meanwhile stout 
spars were run through the ports of the bti'ig and 
securely lashed down to the frame, in such a way as to 
l>r()ject over the camels in a horizontal position. When 
the camels were in place, solid blocks were arranged on 
top of them so as to reach the ends of the spars. Every- 
thing having been secured, the pumps were set to work 
in the scows, which raised slowly, lifting the brig with 
them as they became more buoyant. In this way the 
lAiu-rence was raised about three feet and her draft re- 
duced to six feet, when she was towed lakeward in the 
narrow channel. 

Upon reaching the shoalest part of the bar, how^ever, 
it was found that the water had lowered perceptibly 
during the calm, and that it was impossible to force 
her over. Heaving on the cables and anchors which had 
been carried out, was then resorted to, but, notwith- 
standing every exertion, the expedient failed to move 
her. The brig had settled a little by the slacking of the 
lashings and by the breaking of one of the spars which 
passed over the camels; and it was necessary to again 
sink them, get more blocks and a new spar to replace 
the broken one, adjust the cross-pieces and blocks and 
pump out as before. A few more inches of the Laic- 
rence's draft was thus gained, and she was slowly and 
by main strength forced over the clinging sands during 
(he night and following day. The militia stationed in 
the neighborhood, under the orders of General Meade, 
reuderod efficient aid in these operations. 

Vyy daylight of the fourth of August, the crew of the 
Ijauvence, with most of those of the other vessels, had 
worked the brig so far over the bar that at eight o'clock 
she was fairly afloat. To tow her into deep water, re- 
fill and sink the camels to lower her to her natural 
h'vcl, and remount the guns, took the better part of 
the day. The work went on unceasingly, and at night- 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 89 

fall the supplies were all on board and everything pre- 
pared for action. The work of making ready the 
Kiagara was meanwhile prosecuted with vigor, and 
early the following morning she was lifted over the bar 
in the same way; but she was raised high enough at 
the start to be moved over without grounding. She 
was still supported by the camels when the British fleet 
appeared on the horizon, standing in with a leading 
breeze. Here was an added peril for the defenders of 
the little fleet, and a new anxiety for their youthful 
commander. The prospect of a sharp conflict at this 
time with the enemy, which was fresh and confident, 
while his disorganized force was worn out with fatigue, 
was anything but reassuring. 

But Perry, whose health had already suffered from 
fever and overwork, without sleep or rest for two nights 
and days, was constantly on the alert, and his example 
heartened his men. For who of the faithful patriots 
could complain when their beloved commander bore so 
much? Incited by his appeals to their pride and 
loyalty, the exhausted seamen and militiamen rallied to 
his call, and, by unparalleled exertions, they had the 
Niagara afloat and in deep water by noon. While her 
battery was being remounted, the supplies put abroad 
and everything made ready for action, the fast-sailing 
schooners Ariel, under the command of Lieutenant 
Packett, and the Scorpion, under command of Sailing- 
master Champlin, weighed anchor and stood out towards 
the enemy in the most gallant manner. With their 
heavy guns they were able to open a galling fire at 
long range, and, although the cannonading did little if 
any damage to the enemy's ships, the action showed the 
spirit and mettle of the gunners. Had Barclay in- 
tended to bring on a general engagement, the little gun- 
boats would have been driven to cover in a few moments ; 
but it seems to have been his well determined plan not 
to fight until his new and heavy ship, fully armed and 



90 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

manned would give him, in every respect, a decided 
superiority. The Lwwrence, meanwhile, remained at 
anchor with the crew at quarters working the guns, 
when it became apparent that they need not yet use 
them in deadly earnest. Off on the lake the British 
squadron, after a short but spirited cannonade with the 
schooners, bore up and stood across the lake. 

"\^niile engaged in these difficult and trying opera- 
tions. Commander Perry received another urgent appeal 
from General Harrison, asking his early co-operation. 
He replied at once in these memorable words: 

"I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 
twenty-eighth of July this morning, and hasten, in reply, 
to inform you that I have succeeded in getting one of 
the sloops-of-war over the bar. The other will probably 
be over today or tomorrow. The enemy is now standing 
for us with five sail. We have seven over the bar; all 
small, however, except the Laicrence. I am of the 
opinion that in two days the naval superiority will be 
decided on this lake. Should we be successful, I shall 
sail for the head of the lake immediately to co-operate 
with you, and hope that our joint efforts will be pro- 
ductive of honor and advantage to our country. The 
squadron is not much more than half manned; but, as 
/ see no prospect of receiving reinforcements, I h(we 
determined to commence my operations. I have re- 
quested Captain Richardson to dispatch an express to 
you the moment the issue of our contest with the enemy 
is known. My anxiety to join you is very great, and, 
had seamen been sent me in time, I should now, in all 
probability, have been at the head of the lake, acting in 
conjunction with you." "Thank God," he added in a 
postscript, ''the other sloop-of-war is over. I shall be 
after the enemy, who are making off, in a few hours. 1 
shall bo with you shortly." 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 91 

At three o'clock on the morning of the sixth of 
August, the signal was made from the Lawrence for the 
fleet to weigh anchor; and an hour later all the vessels 
were under easy sail, standing off in double column in 
the direction of Long Point on the Canadian shore, 
where it Avas supposed the enemy had gone. Although 
there had been little opportunity for repose during the 
night, after their unceasing efforts of the preceding days, 
the ardour and enthusiasm of their young commander 
was warmly shared by his officers and men. During 
the search for the British fleet the vessels were cleared 
for action, and everything made ready for the expected 
conflict. But the enemy had proceeded up the lake to 
Maiden, their naval base at the mouth of the Detroit 
River. After an ineffectual pursuit of twenty-four 
hours. Perry returned with his fleet to its anchorage off 
Erie. 

The next two days were employed in taking on large 
quantities of provisions and military stores for the army 
of General Harrison, with the intention of putting off 
to sea on the evening of the eighth, for the first cruise 
up the lake. In the course of the day, however, Com- 
mander Perry received a message from Lieutenant 
Elliott from Cattaraugus, sixty miles down the lake, to 
the effect that he had reached that place on his way to 
join the fleet and take command of the Niagara. He 
had with him two acting lieutenants, eight midshipmen, 
a master-mate, a clerk, and eighty-nine men, making a 
reinforcement of one hundred and two men in all. The 
position and feelings of Perry at the time of this pleas- 
ing announcement are graphically told by Hambleton, 
the purser of the Lawrence , in his journal : 

"We went on shore and transacted a variety of 
business; paid off the volunteers, so that we had none 
but the four month's men who had signed articles. 
Captain Perry had just received a letter from General 
Harrison, informing him of the raising of the siege of 



92 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Camp Meigs, and of the unsuccessful attack on the fort 
at Sandusky, commanded by Lieutenant Croghan. The 
prisoners taken there state that the new ship, Detroit, 
was launched at Maiden on the seventeenth of last 
month. Captain Perry and I dined on shore. After 
dinner, being alone, we had a long conversation on the 
state of our affairs. He confessed that he was now 
much at a loss what to do. While he feels the danger 
of delay, he is not insensible to the hazard of encounter- 
ing the enemy without due preparation. His officers 
are few and inexperienced, and we are short of sea- 
men. His repeated and urgent requests for men, having 
been treated with the most mortifying neglect, he de- 
clines making another. While thus engaged, a mid- 
shipman, J. B. Montgomery, entered and handed him a 
letter. It was from Lieutenant Elliott, on his way to 
join him with several officers and eighty-nine men. He 
was electrified by this news, and, as soon as we were 
alone, declared he had not been so happy since his 
arrival." 

The delighted commander at once went off to the 
J.awrence, and directed that the Ariel, commanded by 
Lieutenant Packett, should run down the coast towards 
Cattaraugus, and bring up Elliott and his party. They 
quickly made sail and soon were hull down in the north- 
east, beating up along the coast. On the tenth of 
August they returned with the company of "prime 
men," who, indeed, proved of superior character to any 
that had as yet been received on Lake Erie. The send- 
ing of tliese trained and experienced seamen was no 
doubt due in no small degree to the more urgent re- 
quest of Commander Perry, and his complaints as to 
the kind of men that had been sent him. Although 
his letters, written in a temperate and respectful tone, 
produced irritation in the mind of Commodore 
Chauneey, they had fulfilled their purpose and brought 
ab<iut the desired result. 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 93 

The task of distributing the seamen and trained 
gunners throughout the fleet was entrusted to Lieuten- 
ant Elliott, who, it is recorded, derived the chief benefit 
from the valuable accession of seamen. For Perry, with 
a generosity that was natural to him, allowed his junior 
officer to select for the Niagara, of which he had 
assumed the command, the best of the men who had 
come with him. It was true that the crew of the 
Lamrence was more nearly complete than that of the 
Niagara, but Sailing-master Taylor, of the former 
vessel, who happened to be on board of the Niagara at 
the time, observed that Elliott assumed the right of 
selection among the men, whose relative merits were 
well known to him ; and the residue, after being gleaned 
by him, was distributed among the other vessels. This 
fact he reported to his commander, who, with a 
magnanimity most unusual in the service, took no notice 
of this unauthorized selection of men, even though it 
resulted to his disadvantage. Although he intended 
that the vessel under his command should bear the 
brunt and burden of the day in the forthcoming battle, 
he confidently expected that Elliott, his junior officer 
and next in line of command of the fleet, would support 
him to the full extent of his power, and do his share of 
the fighting. Hence, he took no steps to equalize the 
effective force of the vessel under his immediate com- 
mand. 

On the same day, the tenth of August, a letter was 
received from Commodore Chauncey, which betrayed 
great irritation on his part, and was well suited to 
wound the feelings of Commander Perry. It ran as 
follows : 



94 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

"On board the Pike, off Burlington Bay, 
Thirtieth of July, 1813. 

Sir: 

I have been duly honored with your letters of the 
twenty-third and twenty-sixth ultimo, and notice your 
anxiety for men and officers. I am equally anxious to 
furnish you, and no time shall be lost in sending officers 
and men to you, as soon as the public service will allow 
me to send them from this lake. I regret that you are 
not pleased with the men sent you by Messrs. Champlin 
and Forrest; for to my knowledge, a part of them are 
not surpassed by any seamen we have in the fleet ; and 
I have yet to learn that the color of the skin, or the cut 
and trimmings of the coat, can affect a man's qualifi- 
cations or usefulness. I have nearly fifty blacks on 
board of this ship, and many of them are among my 
best men ; and those people you call soldiers have been 
to sea from two to seventeen years, and I assume that 
you will find them as good and useful as any men on 
board your vessel, at least if I can judge by compar- 
ison, for those which we have on board of this ship are 
attentive and obedient, and, as far as I can judge, many 
of them are excellent seamen ; at any rate the men sent 
to Lake Erie have been selected with a view of sending 
a fair proportion of petty officers and seamen, and I 
presume, upon examination, it will be found that they 
are equal to those upon this lake. 

"I have received several letters from the secretary 
of the navy, urging the necessity of the naval force 
upon Lake Erie acting immediately. You will, there- 
fore, as soon as you receive a sufficient number of men, 
commence your operations against the enemy, and, as 
soon as possible, co-operate with the army under Gen- 
eral ITarrison. As you liave assured the secretary that 
you should conceive yourself equal or superior to the 
enemy with a force of men much less than I had deemed 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 95 

necessary, there will be a great deal expected from you 
by your country, and I trust that they will not be dis- 
appointed in the high expectations formed of your gal- 
lantry and judgment. I will barely make an observa- 
tion, which was impressed upon my mind by an old 
soldier, that is, 'Never despise your enemy.' I was 
mortified to see, by your letters to the secretary, ex- 
tracts and copies of which have been furnished to me, 
that you complain that the distance was so great be- 
tween Sackett's Harbor and Erie, that you could not 
get instructions from me in time to execute them with 
any advantage to the service, thereby intimating the 
necessity of a separate command. Would it not have 
been well to have made the complaint to me instead of 
the secretary? 

"My confidence in your zeal and abilities is un- 
diminished, and I sincerely hope that your success may 
equal your utmost wishes. I shall dispatch to you some 
officers and seamen and further instructions on my 
return to Niagara, where I hope to be the day after 
tomorrow. 

Yours with esteem, 

Isaac Chauncey. 
To O. H. Perry, 

Commanding the U. S. brig Lawrence." 

However creditable the assertions made in this 
letter may have been, it is true that all the officers on 
Lake Erie united in pronouncing the men sent by the 
commodore, with the single exception of the party under 
the command of Elliott, as the most wretched selection 
that could have been made. In the face of this fact 
it was well known in the service that there were on 
Lake Ontario a large proportion of as good seamen as 
ever trod a ship's deck; and the old-time tars with 
the genuine queues abounded there. Commodore 
Chauncey, being a thorough seaman himself, had col- 



96 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

lected about him all the most finished specimens of the 
true man-of-war's men that could be found. Unfortu- 
nately, the g^ratification of this passion conflicted seri- 
ously with his obligations of duty which made it incum- 
bent upon him, to send in due season to his junior 
officer, for the execution of an important trust, a full 
and fair share of his best seamen and gunners. That 
he actually had an extraordinary number of men, about 
double what was necessary, crowded on board the Pike, 
is confirmed by the following extract from Hambleton's 
journal : 

" Several weeks ago, the secretary of the navy in- 
formed Captain Perry that a sufficient number for both 
lakes had been forwarded. This is true; but, unfortu- 
nately, they were all sent to Lake Ontario, where our 
portion was detained without necessity. For instance, 
the Pihe. with a single deck and twenty-six guns, had 
four hundred prime seamen, mustering in all four hun- 
dred and seventy; and even now he has not sent a 
single officer of rank or experience except Captain 
Elliott." 

The patience and amiability of Commander Perry 
was coupled with extreme sensitiveness to whatever 
aflfected his honor, and the commendatory phrase which 
closed the commodore's letter failed utterly to qualify 
the bitterness which his rebuke aroused. But it was 
not due, as some historians have thought, to the neglect 
of the commodore in respect to officers and men, but 
rather to his insinuation that Perry had sought a 
separate command, which was obviously false. On the 
very day tliat he received the commodore's letter, Com- 
mander Perry enclosed a copy of it to the secretary of 
the navy, and wrote earnestly requesting that he might 
be removed from his present station. The letter shows 
the real grounds for taking this action, and is as follows : 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 97 

''On board the Latcrence, off Erie. 
Tenth of Au^ist, 1813. 

Sir: 

I am under the disagreeable necessity of request- 
ing a removal from this station. The enclosed copy of 
a letter from Commodore Chauncey will, I am satisfied, 
convince you that I cannot serve longer under an officer 
who has been so totally regardless of my feelings. The 
men spoken of by Commodore Chauncey are those men- 
tioned in the roll I did myself the honor to send you. 
They may, sir be as good as are on the other lake; 
but, if so, that squadron must be poorly manned indeed. 
In the requisition for men sent by your order, I made 
a note, saying I should consider myself equal or supe- 
rior to the enemy with a smaller number of men. What 
then might have been considered certain, may, from 
lapse of time, be deemed problematical. 

"The commodore insinuates that I have taken 
measures to obtain a separate command. I beg leave 
to ask you, sir, if anything in any of my letters to you 
could be construed into such a meaning. On my re- 
turn to this place in June last, I wrote you that the 
Queen Charlotte and Lady Prevost were off this harbor, 
and if they remained a few days, I might possibly be 
able to intercept their return to Maiden. I had no 
orders to act; and the only way of obtaining them in 
time was to write to you, sir, as the communication 
between Commodore Chauncey and myself occupied con- 
siderably upward of a month. In my request, I meant 
this as a reason for applying to you on the emergency 
instead of to the commodore. 

"I have been on this station upward of five months, 
and during that time have submitted cheerfully and 
with pleasure to fatigue and anxiety hitherto unknown 
to me in the service. I have had a very responsible sit- 
uation, without an officer, except one sailing-master, of 



98 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

the least experience. However seriously 1 have felt my 
situation, not a murmur has escaped me. The critical 
state of General Harrison was such that I took upon 
myself the very great responsibility of going out with 
the few young officers you have been pleased to send 
me, with the few seamen I had, and as many volunteers 
as I could muster from the militia. I did not shrink 
from this responsibility; but, sir, at that very moment 
I surely did not anticipate the receipt of a letter in 
every line of which is insult. Under all these circum- 
stances, I beg most respectfully and most earnestly that 
I may be immediately removed from this station. I 
am willing to forego that reward which I have con- 
sidered for two months past almost within my grasp. 
If, sir, I have rendered my country any service in the 
equipment of this squadron, I beg it may be considered 
an inducement to gTant my request. I shall proceed 
with the squadron and whatever is in my power shall be 
done to promote the interest and honor of the service. 

O. H. Perry. 
To William Jones. 

Secretary of the Navy." 

Reading these letters after an interval of a hun- 
dred years, and in an age so widely different in every 
respect from the other, arouses some reflections of a 
somewhat conflicting nature. The whole correspo- 
(k'uce of Perry's to Commodore Chauncey, although 
prompted by a feeling of necessity of the situation, due 
to neglect of his superior officer, is thoroughly temperate 
in tone and respectful to a degree highly creditable to 
him. It would be difficult, in fact, to find in a single 
line or word, the least provocation for the irritation 
which is so clearly evident in the Commodore's reply. 
Although a rebuke pertinently and mildly administered 
undoubtedly was intended by the commodore, it was 
presented in such language that one wonders how even 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE 99 

the impetuous Perry could have taken it in such a way 
as to feel justitied in resigning his command. His 
provocation over the uncomfortable situation no doubt 
was great, and the neglect and disregard of the com- 
modore was a grievous injustice to him; still, had he 
followed his usual calm inclination he would have given 
the matter more consideration than he did, before tak- 
ing such drastic action. His letter to the secretary of 
the navy was written within a few hours after the re- 
ceipt of the one from the commodore, and the only 
excuse that can be found, if one is sought, for his sudden 
resolution to relinquish his command, is that the thing 
happened when, worn out and feverish as the result of 
his unceasing exertions, he was in no fit frame of mind 
to think calmly and act wisely. He gave way to a just 
anger unreasonably aroused ; and it is more of wonder- 
ment that his letter did not convey invective and rancor, 
which must have been present in his mind. Its com- 
position, moreover, reflects an admirable spirit, and 
shows that the valiant Perry was possessed of no mean 
literary attainments. What letters of his that remain, 
having survived the ravages of time, reveal most clearly 
the possession by their author of a fine and calculating 
mind, always well balanced, and temper in perfect 
control. 

In another letter from Commodore Chauncey, dated 
off Niagara on the third of August, among other matters, 
he expressed his disappointment at not being able to 
send Commander Perry fifty marines, as he had expected 
to have done; but he promised, as soon as he should 
return to Sackett's Harbor, to forward them post haste. 
Ten days after, however, while on his way eastward, he 
fell in with the schooner Lady of the Lake, which, by 
his order, was transporting the promised marines; but, 
instead of allowing them to proceed, he appropriated 
the detachment and took the men on board his own 
vessel. The reason why Chauncey with difficulty 



lOO OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

parted with men is ascribed by Mahan to be the loss of 
two schooners of liis fleet, the HamiItO)i and Scourge, 
on the eighth of August, with nearly all on board, and 
the capture by the enemy two days later of the Julia 
and the Growler, which reduced his force by about one 
hundred and fifty men. He had had his first encounter 
with the British fleet, under command of Sir James Yeo, 
on the seventh, and expected a second and more decisive 
collision in a short time. 

"As for the substitution of either militiamen or 
newly-levied troops for marines," observes Mackenzie, 
in the matter of leaving Commander Perry to shift for 
himself, "it is needless to say how ill the former could 
supply the place of the latter. Marines, from the long- 
continued habit of serving on ship board, are as much 
at home there as seamen, and are of essential use in the 
discharge of every ordinary duty. In battle, whether 
stationed at the great guns, to the exercise of w^hich 
they are trained in all well-disciplined ships, as, indeed, 
they should be in barracks, or using their own appro- 
priate arms, they have ever shown the most devoted 
courage. 

"It would be unfair to Commodore Chauncey not to 
state that the injustice done by him to Captain Perry, 
in withholding a sufficient number of good men, has 
been practiced not unfrequently by our old commanders, 
though, perhaps, in less critical circumstances. De- 
prived of the distinction of higher grades as a just re- 
ward of faithful services, and accustomed yearly to see 
their juniors take rank beside them, they cling with 
pertinacity to every admitted attribute of their supe- 
rior station, and use their authority in a narrow spirit, 
and witli reference chiefly to themselves. The subjects 
of injustice themselves, they are not a little prone to ex- 
ercise injustice to others." 



CRUISING UP THE LAKE loi 

The reply of the secretary of the navy to Perry's 
letter, dated the eighteenth of August, was exceedingly 
temperate, so as to convey soothing and complimentary 
effects: "A change of commander," he wrote, "under 
existing circumstances is equally inadmissible as it re- 
spects the interest of the service and your own reputa- 
tion. It is right that you should reap the harvest 
which you have sown. It is the duty of an officer, and 
in none does his character shine more conspicuous, to 
sacrifice all personal motives and feelings when in colli- 
sion with the public good. This sacrifice you are called 
upon to make; and I calculate with confidence upon 
your efforts to restore and preserve harmony, and to 
concentrate the vigorous exertions of all in carrying 
into effect the great objects of your enterprise." 

The difficulty growing out of Commodore Chaun- 
cey's letter of the thirtieth of July, was closed and har- 
mony restored by the conciliatory reply of the Commo- 
dore to Perry's letter announcing his having requested 
to be withdrawn from Lake Erie. In justice to Commo- 
dore Chauncey, as showing his good sense and good 
feeling, it is transcribed as follows : 

"Saekett's Harbor, Lake Ontario. 
Twenty-seventh of August, 1813. 
Sir: 

I have received your letter of the eleventh instant, 
wherein you inform me that you have enclosed a copy 
of my letter of the thirtieth of July to the honorable, 
the secretary of the navy, with a request that you might 
be immediately removed from Lake Erie. I regret your 
determination for various reasons; the first and most 
important is, that the public service would suffer from 
a change, and your removal might in some degTee de- 
feat the objects of the campaign. Although 1 conceive 
that you have treated me with less candor than I was 



I02 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

entitled to, considering the warm interest that I have 
always taken in your behalf, yet my confidence in your 
zeal and ability has been undiminished, and I should 
really regret that any circumstances should remove you 
from your present command, before you have accom- 
plished the objects for which you were sent to Erie; 
and I trust that you will give the subject all the con- 
sideration that its importance requires before you make 
up your mind definitely. You ought also to consider 
that the first duty of an officer is to sacrifice all per- 
sonal feelings to his public duties. 

Isaac Chauncey."' 

It is alike creditable to these officers that the con- 
troversy over the assignment of seamen and marines did 
not prevent their resuming their warm friendship. 



CHAPTER VII 

Preparing for Battle with the British Fleet 

ALTHOUGH Commander Perry made every effort 
to enlist men from the militia, to perform the 
^ duties of marines during the cruise up the lake, 
he was unable to procure any permanent volunteers; 
and his entire force still numbered a few short of four 
hundred officers and men. With this small force, which 
was barely sufficient to properly man the three brigs, 
but had been distributed to ten vessels large and small, 
he was expected and was ordered by his superior officer 
to search out and meet the enemy for a decisive con- 
flict. And yet, Commodore Chauncey regarded even a 
greater number of seamen and marines as necessary for 
the proper handling of his own flagship, the Pike, in 
his engagements with the enemy on Lake Ontario. He 
certainly expected and demanded much of his junior 
officer on the upper lake. How thoroughly well the 
heroic Perry met the situation, how he took the raw 
recruits sent him and trained them into efficient sea- 
men and gunners, and how he inspired his few officers 
and experienced man-of-war's men with zeal and 
devotion to the object of the expedition, are among the 
brilliant achievements of his career. 

Having completed a tentative plan of campaign 
against the British fleet, he sailed from Erie on the 
twelfth of August, and proceeded cautiously up the lake 
to place himself in co-operation with the army under 
General Harrison. The headquarters of the army were 
then at Seneca, on the banks of the Sandusky River, and 
about thirty miles from where the bay issues into the 

103 



/-" 



I04 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

lake. The order of sailing established for the fleet was 
ill double formation, the columns being composed of 
these vessels in the following order : 

Niagara brig Commander Elliott. 

Trippc sloop Lieutenant Holdup. 

Tigrestt schooner Lieutenant Conklin. 

isomers schooner wSailing-master Almy. 

Scorpio)! schooner Sailing-master Champlin. 

Lau>rence. . . . .brig .Commander Perry. 

Porcupine . . . .schocmer Midshipman Smith. 

Caledonia . . . . brig .Lieutenant Turner. 

Ohio schooner Sailing-master Dobbins. 

Ariel .schooner Lieutenant Packett. 

He also established at this time an order of battle 
in one line. The Ariel and Scorpion, which were the 
fastest sailers of his schooners, he placed on the out- 
side of the line from the enemy, and near his flagship, 
so as to be in position to quickly support any part of 
llie line that might need it. Afterward he brought the 
tieorpion into the line, and fixed the distance that should 
be maintained between the vessels at half a cable's 
length. Then he drew up an order of attack, in which a 
particular vessel in the British squadron was designated 
as an antagonist for a certain vessel of his own. This 
was intended to facilitate the remodeling of the line of 
battle to conform to the arrangement of the enemy's 
vessels in line, and also to fix in the mind of each com- 
mander his special adversary. 

In this well formulated plan Perry reserved to 
himself the privilege, or duty as he probably regarded 
it, of fighting tlie largest and most powerful ship of 
the enemy's fleet. He accordingly placed the Lawrence 
opposite their new and heavy shi]), which it was re- 
ported wati stoutly built with thick bulwarks, and which 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE 105 

carried a battery of nineteen long guns. The Niagara, 
he placed, in like manner, opposite the second British 
ship, the Queen Charlotte, in which disposition the rela- 
tive strength of the batteries was as three to two. The 
Caledonia was to engage the brig Hunter, of ten guns, 
and the schooners the smaller vessels of the enemy. In 
the event of separation of his vessels and an accidental 
meeting in the night, in which there might be a collision 
under the impression that they were enemies, he made 
ample provision. Each of his vessels was to hoist one 
light and hail, the one to windward first answering 
"Jones," to which the one farthest to leeward should 
reply "Madison." In a subsequent order, should the 
enemy approach his fleet to attack it while at anchor, 
the signal of two quick musket shots from the Lawrence 
would be an order for the vessels to cut their cables 
and make sail. They would form astern of the Law- 
rence, which would show a light, beginning with the 
vessel farthest to leeward ; while three successive shots 
would be the signal to weigh anchor in the same suc- 
cession. These general orders, which were well con- 
ceived to promote concerted action and prevent sur- 
prise, indicated good judgment and clear forethought. 

On the sixteenth of August the fleet approached 
Cunningham's Island, which was well toward the head 
of the lake, without once having sight of the enemy, or 
noticing any indication that they were near. The wind 
was fresh at the time, which prevented the vessels from 
taking berths close in with Sandusky bar, which would 
have enabled them to disembark the military supplies 
for the army, and communicate with General Harrison. 
Late the following afternoon one of the enemy's small 
vessels was discovered in the northwest, evidently act- 
ing as a spy boat, and the Scorpion was sent in chase. 
After a spirited pursuit of several hours, in which the 
schooner nearly bore up with the enemy, night came on 



io6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

and she disappeared in the darkness among a group of 
islands, which Nature lias most lavishly distributed in 
the western part of the lake. 

Meanwhile the fleet, which had followed leisurely, 
came to anchor off the southern shore; and the next 
day they began the removal of the military stores safely 
to land. On the evening of the nineteenth, during a 
heavy rain storm. General William Henry Harrison, his 
staff, and a number of Indian chiefs, came on board the 
Laicrcnfe. In the party, which must have presented 
a strikingly martial appearance as it came over the 
gangway, were General Lewis Cass and General 
M'xVrthur, Colonel Gaines, Major Croghan, and twenty- 
six chiefs of the Shawnee, Wyandot, and Delaware 
Indians. Among these were three highly influential 
chiefs named Crane, Black Hoof, and Captain Tommy. 
The meeting was lield for the purpose of arranging 
some concerted action between the land and naval 
forces; and the object in bringing the Indians was to 
impress them with the strength of these forces, in the 
hope that by their influence the Indians of the North- 
west, who were then allies of the British, might be de- 
tached from them. The chiefs were, of course, filled 
with wonder at the spectacle of the "big canoes," as they 
called the ships, with their lofty masts and white sails, 
and looked with amazement at the big guns belching 
fire and smoke, when, in the morning, a salute was fired 
in honor of the general. At this meeting it was de- 
termined in consequence of the lateness of the season, 
if the British fleet did not make its appearance soon, 
that the army sliould be put in motion and cross the 
upper part of the lake in open boats, without awaiting 
the result of a naval conflict. 

Between General Harrison and Commander Perry 
the liMppicsl s])irit of concert and good will prevailed. 
The former had explored some of the islands in search 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE 107 

of a safe rendezvous for the army in the event of its 
being transported across the lake by the fleet, and had 
found in one of them a splendid harbor of refuge with 
its opening toward the north. In this sheltered bay, 
which is situated in the southermost of the Bass Islands, 
and about eight miles from the main land, there was 
ample room for manoeuvring the entire navy of the 
United States, could it have been assembled there. On 
three sides it is landlocked by the crescent-shaped shore 
of rock and shifting sand, while on the north it is pro- 
tected by a huge rock, called Gibralter. This natural 
fortress rises from sixty to seventy feet above the sur- 
face of the water, and on the sides toward the lake it is 
an impregnable cliff. The general pointed out to Perry 
the excellence of this harbor as an anchorage for his 
fleet, and it was henceforth called Put-in Bay. They 
spent a day in reconnoitering the island, making sound- 
ings in the bay and across its rocky opening into the 
lake; and concerted their plans for the removal of the 
army to this place, when the time should arrive for the 
invasion of Canada. On the twenty-first the general 
returned with his staff to his camp at Seneca; and two 
days after the commander sailed into Put-in Bay, and 
declared it his headquarters on the lake. 

While preparations were being made for the ad- 
vance of the army to the lake shore. Commander Perry 
set sail from the bay and stood boldly into the lake 
in the direction of Maiden. This stronghold of the 
British was situated in a little cove on the east shore 
of the Detroit River, near its mouth, and about forty ^^^ 
miles distant from Put-in Bay. It was fortified by 
blockhouses and breastworks on a hill that rose from 
the water's edge, and was strengthened by a battery at 
the head of an island which lay close in shore. On the 
twenty-fifth of August the fleet entered the river and 
soon discovered the enemy's squadron at anchor within 
their stronghold. The appearance of the American 



io8 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

ships-of-war within cannonade range of the little settle- 
ment, spread consternation and alarm on shore, and 
women and children ran shrieking about the place, 
momentarily expecting a bombardment to begin. The 
Indians in the outer camp, however, looked with amaze- 
ment upon the hostile demonstration; the ten sail 
with battle flags flying and bristling guns frowning 
from open ports, and with decks cleared for action, pre- 
senting a very warlike aspect. The scene aroused their 
lighting spirit, and they urged the British commander, 
Captain Barclay, to go out and meet them. 

But the enemy were still waiting for the comple- 
tion of their new ship, which had been hurriedly built, 
like the American brigs, of green timber, roughly liewed 
and unfinished, but unlike these, with heavy bulwarks 
of oak which it was expected would withstand round 
shot fired at cannonade distance. So they declined to 
come out into the open and engage the fleet of the in- 
trepid Perry, who thus had the opportunity of flaunting 
his coloi*s before the veteran Barclay, a pupil of Nelson, 
much as this officer had displayed his in battle array 
off the harbor of Erie. The wind was blowing fresh 
at the time and unfavorable to run in close to shore, and 
Commander Perry deemed it unsafe to run the risk of 
getting embayed and expose his dullest sailers to 
(•ai)tnre. He therefore made about and headed for the 
open lake, an action which resulted in much relief to 
the settlers on land, but which caused disgust and 
chagrin to the hostile Indians. 

On the way down the lake the commander was at- 
tacktHl with bilious remittent fever, an ailment to which 
few of the valiant seamen were immune, and which 
was attended with prostration of strength. In this 
case it soon developed a very malignant cliai*acter, and 
the assistant surgeon. Doctor Usher Parsons, himself 
out of health, was the onlv medical officer who was able 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE 109 

to attend him. The surgeon of the Lawr^ence was seri- 
ously ill, as was also the chaplain, Thomas Breese, and 
the commander's young brother, James Alexander, who, 
through all the months of anxiety, had remained with 
him to share his hardships and dangers, to meet defeat 
and death, or victory and fame, as Fate should decree. 
Perry accordingly directed that the fleet should return 
to Put-in Bay, the snug harbor which overlooked the 
passage into the lower part of the lake, and which was 
a vantage point for rendezvous in protecting the south- 
ern shore, and the outlets of the numerous streams 
which issue into it. A few days after Dr. Parsons him- 
self was affected with the prevailing ailment, but he 
continued to attend to the needs of the sick to whom 
he was carried, with a human self-devotion most credit- 
able and honorable. Not only did he minister to the 
sick on board the Laiorence, but, it is said, he insisted 
on going to the other vessels in his mission of mercy. 
Being so sick as to be incapable of walking, he was lifted 
on board in his cot, and the sick were brought to him 
on deck for his examination and prescription. Of such 
material are patriots and heroes made. 

The generous and noble impulses of General Harri- 
son were proverbial, and, in looking through the little 
fleet, as it lay at anchor off shore, he noted with dis- 
quietude the want of marines, and observed how much 
it had been weakened by sickness and disease. On re- 
turning to his camp at Seneca, he therefore asked for 
volunteers from his army to join the fleet and act as 
marines. A large number of Kentuckians, led by a 
spirit of adventure to embark in an enterprise so differ- 
ent from their previous habits of life, responded to the 
call. From these were selected a few lake and river 
boatmen to act as seamen, while nearly a hundred 
others were detailed from the militia for this service. 
They were at once sent off to the fleet and arrived on 
the thirty-first of August. Few of them had ever seen 



no OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

a full-rigged ship, and their astonishment and curiosity 
were irrepressible. They wore their favorite fringed 
linsey-woolsey shirts and leggings, and were themselves 
ohjects of curiosity and amusement to the officers and 
seamen, who never before had seen any of these hardy 
borderers. The officers of the fleet, by Perry's direc- 
tion, at once set about teaching these recruits their 
duty, and trained them in the various evolutions pre- 
paratory to battle. To their credit, be it said, the 
sturdy Kentuckians carefully conformed to all that was 
required of them, were of essential use in manning the 
fleet; "and replaced," as noted by Mackenzie, "the 
marines and seamen which Commodore Chauncey had 
withheld; and their association with Perry was, to 
such of them as survived to tell the tale of their ad- 
ventures, a special and enduring source of gratifica- 
tion." 

On the first of September, after a week's confine- 
ment to his berth, Commander Perry found himself suffi- 
ciently well to again take the deck ; and he lost no time 
in getting his fleet once more in motion. He stood off 
toward Maiden, and, as the weather was settled and the 
wind from the northeast, which was favorable for stand- 
ing in and out of the Detroit River, he ran very close 
in. With his colors set and decks cleared for action he 
continued off" the harbor the rest of the day, defiantly 
bearding the British to come out and engage him in an 
open and nearly equal contest. They had, he found, 
equii)ped their new ship, which they proudly named 
Detroit, as a memorial of their conquest ; and had armed 
her with guns of every calibre taken from the ramparts 
of ^lalden. "A more curiously composite battery 
])rol)al)ly never was mounted," says Mahan, "but of a 
total (»f nineteen guns, seventeen were long guns of 
great range; and all her pieces together fired two hun- 
dr«Ml and thirty pounds of metal." Although they had 
lh»' suix'riority in the number of guns, and especially in 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE m 

ouns of long range, and the fleet in cruising down the 
Take had been a training school for about five hundred 
Canadian seamen, Barclay showed no disposition to 
meet the Americans, who, at nightfall sailed out into 
the lake. 

From the most reliable evidence it appears that 
Perry, should he be unsuccessful in drawing the enemy 
out from the harbor of Maiden, meditated an attack 
on them under the guns of the batteries, in concert with 
an attack from General Harrison by land. This was a 
bold plan involving great risks, inasmuch as it exposed 
one or the other of the forces, necessarily separated as 
they would be, to extreme danger and possible capture. 
For instance, if the fleet through any cause or accident, 
met defeat in the river at the hands of the British, the 
American army in attacking Maiden from the land side, 
would not only have to combat the military forces and 
Indians, but would also have to contend against the guns 
of the British fleet at anchor in the bay. Cut off from 
their base of supplies, and having no transports to 
carry them across the lake, their situation would be 
desperate indeed ; and, unless they obtained a decisive 
victory in their siege of Maiden, they, too, would ulti- 
mately be forced to surrender. On the other hand, 
should the army be repulsed in its attack on the fortress, 
the fleet lying in the river at close range under the bat- 
teries of the fort, and flanked by those on the island 
close by, would be compelled to divide its attention and 
fire between these and the guns of the fleet, at the same 
time drawing the concerted fire of all. It was a 
desperate alternative, to be considered only in the event 
of the British fleet remaining for an indefinite time 
under the protection of the guns at Maiden. 

After carefully reconnoitering the position of the 
allied forces, he therefore bore up and stood down the 
lake for Sandusky Bay.. Upon arriving there, on the 



113 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

second of September, he at once communicated with 
Oeneral Han-ison with regard to embarking the army 
for their campaign across the lake. He believed that 
he could transport from twenty-five hundred to three 
thousand of the troops in the fleet, but hesitated to 
adopt this means, because so great a number in addi- 
tion to the crews would so encumber the decks as to 
render the guns almost useless. In coming down the 
lake he had noticed a small island, known as the Middle 
Sister, situated about half way between Maiden and 
Put-in Ray, which he thought would offer an excellent 
rendezvous for the army the day before the contemplated 
attack. He therefore mentioned to the general the 
advantages the situation of this island afforded for 
their purpose; and, upon due consideration, the plan 
was regarded as fea.sible and subsequently adopted. 

How long the British fleet might have kept their 
shelter under the guns of Maiden, had not pressing 
necessity called them out, can only be conjectured. The 
army, which had been accustomed to the abundance and 
security which the domination of the lake had afforded, 
now began to suffer from the want of supplies and pro- 
visions, there being at Maiden and immediate vicinity, 
dependent on the commissary, about fourteen thousand 
persons, including the Indian tribes and followers. The 
country of Upper Canada was then but sparsely settled, 
and produced but little more provender than was neces- 
sary f(U' tlie subsistence of the settlers and their stock. 
For this reason the army was almost entirely depend- 
ent upon their baso of supplies at Tvong Point. For 
more than a month their fleet had been practically 
blockaded at tlie upper end of the lake, and, to restore 
uninterru]>t('d communication with Long Point, General 
Procter insisted on the necessity of risking a naval en- 
gagement, of which the issue was not thought uncertain. 
Of tlicsc circumstances Commander Perry was creditably 
informed. 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE 113 

On the fiftli of September, while anchored in San- 
dusky Bay, three refugees arrived from Maiden who 
told him that the British had determined that their 
squadron should put forth into the lake in the course of 
a few days to engage him. He also received more accu- 
rate information than he had yet obtained as to the 
strength of the enemy's fleet. Besides having minor 
details of the equipment of their new ship, the Detroit, 
he learned that this vessel and the Queen Charlotte each 
had one of their long guns mounted on a pivot, so that 
it could be trained in a wide arc of a circle. The latter 
vessel carried two other long guns and fourteen short 
24-pounder carronades, in all seventeen guns. The en- 
tire fleet mounted sixty-three guns, of which thirty-five 
were long guns of various sizes having a long range, 
which gave them a decided superiority over the 
Americans. 

The commander of this small but well armed squad- 
ron was Robert Heriot Barclay, a veteran officer with 
the rank of captain, who had served with distinction in 
many of those naval engagements which had rendered 
the name and flag of England so feared on the ocean. 
He had been with Nelson, as before stated, and been 
desperately wounded in the ever memorable sea fight 
at Trafalgar. More recently, in an action with the 
French, as first lieutenant of a frigate, he had lost an 
arm. His first officer next in rank was Captain Finnis, 
in command of the Queen Charlotte, who was a brave 
and skilful seaman. Others of his officers were of ex- 
perience and honorable standing in their profession. In 
the point of men there is a diversity of opinion expressed 
by the English" historians. According to James, very 
few British seamen ever reached Lake Erie, probably 
not more than fifty; while Admiral Codrington states 
there was no want of seamen on the lakes, as their 
seaships at Quebec had men drafted from them for that 
service till their crews were utterly depleted. However 



114 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

this may have been, it is certain that (as afterward 
admitted in the finding of the court-martial on Captain 
Barclay) his crews consisted, when he sailed from 
Maiden, of one hundred and fifty men from the royal 
navy; and, according to James statement, eighty 
Canadian sailors, and two hundred and forty soldiers 
from the regular army, making in all an aggregate of 
four hundred and seventy seamen and marines. In- 
cluding the thirty-two officers known to have been in 
the squadron, the total force under Captain Barclay was 
five hundred and two. 

Of the American fleet no vessels were better pro- 
vided with masts, spars, rigging and sails than brigs 
might carry ; and only the Lawrence and Niagara could 
be considered man-of-war. Even they were built with 
thin sides and bulwarks, affording but slight protection 
to heavy fire at close range. The two full-rigged ships 
of the British fleet were supposed to be impervious to 
the shot of carronades, of which the American fleet was 
mostly armed ; while their long guns, though of smaller 
size, were well calculated to hull the thin sides of their 
adversary's vessels through and through. The other 
vessels of Perry's fleet were exceedingly frail, all, with 
the exception of the Caledonia, having no quarters, or 
bulwarks, to protect their guns and crews from the 
enemy's fire. Four of them, moreover, were small mer- 
chant schooners wliich had formerly been engaged in the 
fur trade, and suffered all the disadvantages which made 
a lightly constructed vessel of their class inferior to a 
regular sloop of war. In a strong sea they had a 
marked tendency, with the heavy guns mounted on deck, 
to capsize, and were so unsteady that the guns could 
not be aiuKHl witli any degree of accuracy. They were 
armed with long guns of large size, it is true, mostly 
24 and 32-pounders. While they had an advantage in 
smooth water with light wind, over the larger vessels 
armed witli carronades, because thev could stand off 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE 115 

and do effective work with their long range guns before 
coming into range of the enemy's short carronades, in 
rough weather they were almost completely at the mercy 
of the larger and stable ships, for the reasons just 
stated ; and in a calm they could be counted out of the 
conflict. 

The total armament of the American fleet was fifty- 
four guns, or nine less than the British fleet, and a 
large proportion were short carronades which, though 
of larger bore, were effective only at comparatively short 
range. There were no less than thirty-nine 32-pounder 
carronades, and only fifteen long guns, of which three 
were 32's, four were 24's, and eight were 12's, This 
was an armament which made it incumbent on the com- 
mander to "close in" with the enemy, and fight them at 
close range, although his schooners could stand off at 
some distance and pound away more or less effectively, 
without suffering very much themselves from the 
enemy's fire. In the disposition of this armament, the 
Lawrence and the Niagara each had eighteen 32-pounder 
carronades, and two long twelves. The brunt of the 
fight thus necessarily fell on the Laiorence and Niagara 
just as, the Detroit and the Queen Charlotte were their 
principal antagonists. 

The total weight of metal thrown in a broadside by 
Perry's fleet and that thrown by Barclay's show a wide 
difference. In the former fleet, owing to the larger 
number of heavy guns, the total broadside was nine 
hundred and thirty-six pounds, while in the latter fleet, 
due to many 12, 9 and 6 pounders, the total broadside 
was only four hundred and fifty-nine pounds. The 
Lawrence and Niagara alone could throw six hundred 
pounds in a broadside, which was thirty-three per cent, 
more than could be thrown by a broadside of the entire 
British fleet. In broadside by long guns, however, the 
British, as might be expected, were decidedly superior, 
throwing one hundred and ninety-five pounds, while the 



ii6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

most weight that could be thrown by the Americans 
by long guns was one hundred and fifty pounds. 

In number of men, the fleet under Commander 
Perry, comprising three more vessels than the British, 
although mounting fewer guns, was at a considerable 
disiidvantage with the enemy. The entire force, in- 
cluding the sturdy Kentuckians, numbered five hundred 
and thirty-two officers and men, but was quite unevenly 
distributed among the various vessels. Although the 
Laicrence and Niagara were of the same size and arma- 
ment, the former had a crew of one hundred and thirty- 
six, as against a crew of one hundred and fifty-five on 
board the latter. The commander himself expected to 
bear the brunt of the battle with the Lamrence, yet he 
was willing, by reason of a magnanimous nature, to let 
the trained seamen in larger numbers go to his junior 
officer in command of the Niagara. That he confidently 
expected valiant support from Commander Elliott, in 
the looked-for engagement with the enemy, cannot be 
doubted. The disparagement of these forces in com- 
parison with the two leading British ships, is even more 
marked. The ship Detroit, which was of about the 
same tonnage as the LoAJorence and Niagara, and had 
about the same number of guns, carried a crew of one 
hundred and sixty officers and men, or twenty-four 
more than the commander's flagship. Comparing the 
Niagara with the Queen Charlotte, however, the dis- 
parity was the other way, since the former had a crew of 
one hundred and fifty-five, and the latter one hundred 
and thirty-five. 

The effective strength of the American fleet was 
greatly reduced at this time by sickness and general de- 
bility; and there were no less than one hundred and 
sixteen cases on board the different vessels, seventy-eight 
of which were bilious fever. From this cause the act- 
ual number of men able to be on deck and fit for duty 
was only four hundred and sixteen, which rendered the 



PEEPARING FOR BATTLE 117 

physical force greatly in favor of the British. The 
knowledge of this fact, however, did not check Com- 
mander Perry's repeatedly expressed desire to meet 
them, as he had a just sense of his own resources, and 
a proper confidence in himself. The following table 
will be found helpful in finding a just estimate of the 
relative strength of the two fleets : 

Perry^s Fleet 

Lawrence — tons crew broads'e armament 

Brig 480 136 300 2 long 12's, 18 short 32's V ' 

Niagwra — \ 

Brig 480 155 300 2 long 12's, 18 short 32's 

Caledonia — 

Brig 180 53 80 2 long 24's, 1 short 32 

Ariel — 

Schooner 112 36 48 4 loug 12's 

Scorpion — 

Schooner 86 35 64 1 long 32, 1 short 32 

Somers — 

Schooner 94 30 56 1 long 24, 1 short 32 

Porcupine — 

Schooner 83 25 32 1 long 32 

Tigress — 

Schooner 96 27 32 1 long 32 

Trippe — 

Sloop 60 35 24 1 long 24 

9 vessels 1,671 532 936 



ii8 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Barclay^s Fleet 

Detroit — tons crew broads'e armament 

Ship 490 160 138 1 long 18, 2 long 24's 

6 long 12's, 8 long 9's \^ 
1 short 24, 1 short 18 

Queen CJiarlotte — 

Ship 400 135 189 1 long 12, 2 long 9's ^ 

14 short 24's 



^ 



Lady Prevost — \^ 

Schooner 230 91 75 1 long 9, 2 long 6's - ^t 

10 short 12's 

Hunter — \^ 

Brig 180 49 30 4 long 6's, 2 long 4's ff; 

2 long 2's, 2 short 12's 

Chippeicay — 

Schooner 70 27 9 1 long 9 

\ 

Little Belt — 

Sloop 90 40 18 1 long 12, 2 long 6's ?) 

6 vessels 1,460 502 459 

Having received this important information con- 
cerning Barclay's fleet, and of his plans to sweep the 
lake of his new foes. Commander Perry at once dis- 
patched the schooner Ohio, under the command of Sail- 
ing-master Daniel Dobbins, to Erie to bring up addi- 
tional supplies. In the hope that the British might 
even tlien be on the lake and that he might be able to 
bring on the eugageuieut, which had been so long de- 
layed, he set sail with his fleet on the sixth of Septem- 
ber, and niiJiin put forth in the direction of Maiden. 
After cruising about the upper end of the lake, and ex- 
ercising the seamen in the evolutions of fleet formations 






^ 



\ 



^ 



15 



'T. 








\ 



o< 




'rKRKv's Lookout" on (tibraltkr Rock 



QONTGIVEUF 

THE SHIP 



I'liRRV's I'AMOrS Hattlk I''i,ag 
ITiservcd in llic Naval Academy, Annapolis 



PREPARING FOR BATTLE 119 

and in the handling of the guns, he sailed into the 
Detroit River and reconnoitered the stronghold of the 
enemy. Finding the British fleet still lying at its moor- 
ings with no signs of activity aboard, he set about and 
returned once more to his safe anchorage at Put-in Bay. 
In this beautiful harbor, upon which Nature had be- 
stowed her richest charms, and which offered so many 
facilities for watching the movements of the enemy 
when on lake, he made his final arrangements for the 
conflict which was inevitably near at hand. 

On the evening of the ninth, he set a signal on the 
Lawrence summoning the commanders of the several 
vessels for the last conference. To each officer he 
handed the final instructions in writing governing his 
movements, and further explained to them verbally his 
views with regard to whatever contingency might arise. 
It was his plan, he said, to fight the enemy at close 
range, to bring them from the first to close quarters, 
in order not to lose effectiveness by the short range 
of his carronades. To each vessel its antagonist on the 
British side, was clearly marked out, to the Lawrence 
the Detroit, to the Niagara the Queen Charlotte, and so 
on down the list. And above all, the written order 
said : "Engage each your designated adversary in close 
action, at half cable's length." 

Before dismissing his officers he produced a battle- 
flag, which had been made under his direction by 
Samuel Hambleton, the purser, upon which was em- 
blazoned the watchword which was to lead them on to 
victory — the dying words of the lamented Lawrence. 
The hoisting of this flag, inspiriting as it was, to the 
main-royal masthead of the ship which bore his name, 
was to be the signal to close up with the enemy. As a 
last emphatic injunction, he could not, he said, advise 
them better than in the words of Lord Nelson, "If you 
lay your enemy alongside, you cannot be out of your 
place." 



CHAPTER VIII 
The Battle of Lake Erie 

ALMOST at the same hour that the commanding 
officers were assembled on board the Lawrence, 
^ and listening to the spirited words of their com- 
mander, a very different scene was being enacted in the 
stronghold of the enemy. Under the frowning guns of 
the fortress of Maiden lay the British fleet, on board the 
various vessels of w^hich all w^as bustle and activity. On 
some, anchors were being laboriously weighed, on others, 
sails were being bent to the lake winds, while on all, 
powder horns and balls w^ere being laid out and decks 
cleared for action, the shrill piping of boatswain's 
whistles, meanwhile, resounding through the fleet. For 
the time had now come, by the stress of dire necessity, 
for decisive action — a momentous move in the war — 
which should decide the supremacy of the lake. 

Thus, on the fateful evening of the ninth of Sep- 
tember, as the sun was settling low. Captain Barclay 
was beating out of the little cove and standing boldly 
down the river. At Bar Point, at its mouth, he evi- 
dently anchored for several hours, thus choosing his 
time to proceed more than half way towards his enemy, 
and offer him battle in his own waters with a long day 
before him. His plan was undoubtedly to attack, as 
he might have sailed out along the Canada shore to the 
northward of the ivslands in the night, and eluded Perry's 
fleet. But lie could not have avoided an ultimate colli- 
sion with him, either at the lower end of the lake or 
«)n his return with supplies to ^falden ; hence, with his 

X20 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 121 

superior force and well-drilled crews, he decided to at 
once meet his foe and obtain, as he confidently expected, 
a decisive and overwhelming victory. He therefore, 
early in the morning of the tenth, bore gallantly down 
the lake in the direction of the Bass Isalnds, where he 
believed the youthful Perry with his poorly-manned 
fleet was awaiting him. 

At sunrise, which at this season is about five o'clock, 
the British fleet was off the Middle Sister, bearing down 
under easy sail toward Put-in Bay. A few moments 
later the outlook at the masthead of the Lawrence de- 
scried the six sail on the northwestern board; and the 
fact was at once reported to Commander Perry by Lieu- 
tenant Dulany Forrest, the officer of the deck. To the 
valiant commander, still languishing from the wasting 
fever, this news was as welcome as the bidding to the 
most important duty of his life. His long looked-for 
opportunity "to meet the enemies of his country" at 
last had come to him. At seven o'clock all vessels of 
the enemy's fleet could be plainly seen from the deck; 
and he ordered the signal made, "under way to get." 
Soon after the entire fleet was under sail, beating out 
of the harbor against a light breeze from the southwest. 
So slow was their progress, however, due to the adverse 
wind, that the small boats, manned by the husky Rhode 
Island man-of-war's men, were ordered out ahead to 
tow the vessels around the lee of Gibralter rock. 

By this means they came at length to the passage 
between the Bass Islands, when a new difficulty arose 
to retard their progress. To obtain the windward posi- 
tion of the enemy, or weather-gage as it is commonly 
called, was the chief aim of both commanders during 
the early manoeuvres. This position was of great ad- 
vantage, as it conferred the power of initiative and com- 
pelled the fleet to leeward, unless very skilfully handled, 
to await attack and accept the distance chosen by the 
opponent. To the westward between the two fleets lay 



122 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Green and Snake Islands, but close under Perry's bows. 
To pass these islands and obtain the desired position, 
with the wind almost dead ahead, was a perplexing 
problem. By beating around to windward of them he 
would have a leading breeze to run down upon the enemy 
and the weather-gage in the battle, while any other 
course would bring him to leeward of the enemy. He 
therefore resolved to effect this manoeuvre if possible. 

The failing breeze, however, was so light and un- 
steady, that almost every time they attempted to cross 
the channel the vessels were headed off, and they were 
obliged to tack. Several hours passed in this fruitless 
effort when, at ten o'clock. Commander Perry, becom- 
ing impatient at the delay in getting away, asked Sail- 
ing-master Taylor how much time would still be re- 
quired to weather the islands. Receiving a reply that 
evidently confirmed the opinion he had himself formed, 
lie directed that the sailing-master should wear ship, 
and run to leeward. "By doing that," remarked the 
master, "you will have to engage the enemy from the 
leeward." "I don't care, to windward or to leeward, 
they shall fight today!" was Perry's vehement reply. 
But nature at that moment came to his aid in an alli- 
ance with his courage and determination, for the wind 
suddenly shifted to the southeast. Under the freshening 
breeze from this favorable quarter, the fleet quickly bore 
away to the windward of the islands, and with all sails 
set stood off in the direction of the enemy. 

In the prescribed order of battle determined on the 
night before, and which they now formed, the Niagara, 
under the command of Commander Elliott, led the line. 
This position was assigned him because it was believed 
that tlie Queen Charlotte, his designated antagonist, 
would liead the British line. He was supported immed- 
iately behind by the Ariel, under command of Lieuten- 
ant Jolin Packett, and the Scorpion, commanded by 
Sailing-master Stephen Champlin. Next in line came 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 123 

the flagship Lawrence, to meet in deadly conflict the 
largest and heaviest ship of the enemy, the Detroit, 
which bore the broad pennant of their commander. 
Following in order was the Caledonia, under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Daniel Turner, to combat the brig 
Hunter; while the Somers, Porcupine, Tigress, and 
Trippe, were designated to fight the Lady Prevost, Little 
Belt, and Chippeway. 

Now that the fleet was fairly under way with a 
favorable breeze, which would give them the weather- 
gage, busy scenes were enacted on board all the vessels. 
The crews fell to with a vim in casting loose guns, 
drawing around them supplies of balls, grape and can- 
ister, arranging pikes and cutlasses, and in girding on 
pistols for boarding, hammering flints and lighting 
matches. These were the preliminary duties incident 
to a naval engagement, and, in this instance, to the most 
important battle and far reaching in its results of the 
whole war. This day was to decide for all time the 
sovereignty of a vast territory to the West, and the 
future, either for weal or woe, of thousands of their 
countrymen. As a happy augury of a hopeful issue of 
the conflict, it was one of the most delightful days of 
early autumn. A slight shower had fallen early in the 
morning, but the sky had now become perfectly clear. 

Seldom, if ever, has the scene of a naval engage-" 
ment been laid amid more beautiful surroundings, or to 
which the approach was so quiet and peaceful. Scarcely 
a ripple stirred the surface of the waters. The dark 
ijreen and denselv wooded shores of the islands scattered 
so lavishly over their surface, were just slightly tinted 
with the hues of autumn, while their deep shadows were 
brilliantly reflected in the smooth lake. Myriads of 
birds sang and twittered in the tree-tops and flew in 
the air, squirrels chattered in the woods, and a great 
variety of water-fowl filled the marshy spots along the 



124 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

water's edge. From the lofty mastheads the islands 
here and there looked like great bouquets of tinted green 
placed on an immense mirror. 

The breeze which had promised so much gradually 
died away, or came in fitful puffs, and the vessels of the 
fleet with their white sails stretched aloft, scarcely 
moved on the quiet bosom of the lake. In the solemn 
hour that followed not only each officer of the little 
fleet, but each man of the crews realized that the honor, 
the glory, and the destiny of his country depended very 
largely upon the result of the coming conflict. Mutual 
requests passed between friends for the survivor to 
notify the family or relatives of the non-survivor, and 
to take charge of his effects; and Commander Perry 
handed to the assistant surgeon, Usher Parsons, a pack- 
age of his private papers and official letters encased 
in lead, to be thrown overboard in the event of his 
falling. 

What vivid emotions must have stirred the heart 
and consciousness of the heroic commander, as he ob- 
served his fleet slowly bearing down upon the enemy. 
This conflict, he well knew, would be the first trial of 
skill between the two hostile nations, in an engagement 
between squadrons. Upon the ocean, several actions 
between single frigate and ships had taken place, in 
which the skill and bravery of the American seamen 
had been clearly recognized; and the capture of the 
(iuerriere, the Macedonian, and the Frolic, had in a 
measure broken the charm of British invincibility on the 
sea. But it yet remained to be determined whether the 
relative skill, seamanship, and bravery would be the 
same in an action between two fleets. As commander 
he had his own reputation and fame to acquire, and his 
country's integrity to maintain. The development of 
the wilderness of the West and of the beautiful lake 
country, and the honor and progress of the nation was 
at stake. Yet little did he realize that all tliis was sus- 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 125 

pended upon the talents and collected valor of one man. 
How appalling the responsibility ! How terrible the pro- 
bation ! How vast the interests involved ! And he was 
that man. 

At about this time the enemy, having lost all hope 
of obtaining the weather-gage by manoeuvring, hove to 
in line of battle on the port tack, heading to the south 
and west. Their situation then was about nine miles 
west of Put-in Bay, and about the same distance from 
the main land. Observing the American fleet stand- 
ing out to windward five or six miles away, Captain 
Barclay resolved to avail himself of every advantage 
which the lee-gage to him afforded. And, as later events 
showed, this was of considerable consequence. It would 
enable him, he believed, to rake his enemy's vessels, 
while they were bearing down, with his whole broad- 
sides, while they would only be able to assail him with 
their bow-chasers. He could, moreover, form his 
squadron in a more compact line, which was very essen- 
tial to such a mixed force, and await the necessarily 
less ordered attack of his enemy. The leeward position 
would also afford him every facility for relieving dis- 
abled vessels, by simply dropping them under cover of 
the line; and, if disaster threatened, he could run to 
leeward, form a fresh line of battle, and await a second 
attack with nearly equal chances of success. 

The vessels of the British fleet, it is said, were newly 
painted and in perfect condition for the conflict; and, 
as they hove to in close order, gayly bedecked with flags 
and their red ensigns gently unfolding to the breeze, 
with the noon-day sun shining on their broadsides, they 
presented a very gallant appearance. The ship Detroit 
was particularly noticeable for the dazzling whiteness of 
her canvas, the tautness of her rigging, and the splendid 
style in which she was handled. As the American fleet 
bore down to engage them, with the wind on the port 
quarter, Commander Perry discovered that they had 



126 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

formed their line with the Chippeway, with one long 
eighteen-pounder on a pivot, in the lead. The big new 
ship, Detroit, was second in the line, followed in order 
by the Hunter, the Queen Charlotte, the Lady Prevost, 
and the Little Belt. This well ordered line of battle 
necessitated a remodeling of his own line to conform 
to his plan, and he signaled the Niagara to drop back 
and take a position between the Caledonia and the 
schooners, to attack the Queen Charlotte, her designated 
adversary. Commander Elliott had no just cause to be 
piqued at the change, which was required by the plan 
that had previously been adopted. The movement itself 
was most fit, and was made promptly and without con- 
fusion. 

By this disposition of the Niagara, the Ariel and 
the Scorpion were now in the lead; and the former 
Perry placed on his weather bow where, having no 
bulwarks, she might be partially under cover. The long 
guns of these schooners and the Caledonia supplied in a 
measure the want of long gun power in the Lawrence, 
which was now between them, while standing down out- 
side of carronade range, but within range of the long 
guns of the enemy. The Caledonia, with the schooners 
in the rear, gave a like support to the Niagara. This 
was a very important arrangement, since the British 
fleet, it will be remembered, had a preponderance of 
long guns. Their thirty-five long guns to only fifteen 
in the American fleet gave them, in action at a distance, 
a decided advantage ; but in close action the weight of 
metal fired in a broadside greatly favored the Americans. 

While they thus slowly bore up for action, martial 
music struck up the thrilling signal of "all hands to 
quarters"; and soon after Perry produced the blue 
burgee, or fighting flag, bearing in large white letters 
tl)o imniorlal words of the dying Lawrence, "Don't give 
up the ship." In a few words he explained the signi- 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 127 

ficance of the motto, which appealed so strongly to their 
patriotism and pride, and imparted a rare spirit and 
alacrity to the crew. As the bunting was briskly rove 
to the top of the fore-royal, and fluttered out, hovering 
over the flagship like the guardian spirit of the departed 
hero, they responded to the appeal of their beloved com- 
mander with hearty and enthusiastic cheers. The crews 
of the nearest vessels, hearing the demonstration and 
seeing the battle flag proudly bent to the breeze, caught 
the patriotic spirit and cheer upon cheer burst from the 
entire fleet. During this stirring spectacle all the sick 
that were able to stand and lift an arm came on deck, 
and offered their feeble services in defense of their 
country. They were impelled to this action, no doubt, 
by the example of their youthful commander, who, as 
they well knew, was reduced like themselves by a wast- 
ing fever, and though hardly recovered, was standing 
bravely at his post. Such life is there in the dying 
words of a hero. 
V As it was nearly time for the noonday meal, which 
was certain to find the crews engaged in battle, grog was 
now served and the bread bags opened. The decks were 
then thoroughly sprinkled with water and strewn with 
sand, to insure a firm foothold when blood should be- 
gin to flow. Perry then made a final inspection of his 
ship, carefully examining the battery gun for gun, to 
see that everything was in proper order. To all the 
men he had some expression of encouragement, uttered 
with a cheerful smile and in a confident manner well 
calculated to inspire them with zeal and loyalty. Com- 
ing to some who had been on the Constitution^ he said, 
"Well, boys, are you ready?" "All ready, your honor," 
was the brief reply, with a touch of the hat, or bandanna 
which some of the old salts had substituted for their 
cumbrous trucks, "But I need say nothing to you," he 
added; "you know how to beat those fellows," point- 
ing to the enemy's fleet. At another gun, recognizing 



128 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

some of his Rhode Island men, he exclaimed, "Ah ! here 
are the Newport boys! they will do their duty, I 
warrant." 

During the last half-hour preceding the conflict, a 
profound liush settled over the scene. It was, in both 
fleets, like tlio stillness of the elements before the roar 
of the hurricane, everyone waiting the issue with 
breathless anxiety. It w^as a time when the stoutest 
heart beat quickly, but with an aspiration, and a hope 
of victory. It was a moment of direful looking-out 
toward destruction and death, when even the glow of 
pride and ambition was chilled for awhile. There was 
no bustle or noise to distract the mind, except at in- 
tervals the shrill piping of the boatswain's whistle, or 
the low whispers of the men, who, grouped around the 
guns, closely regarded the movements of the enemy. 
In that awful pause, when at times every eye stole wist- 
ful glances at the countenance of their commander, 
many looked for the last time across the water on the 
green shores and sunny hills of their country. For 
rashness, without courage, it has been said, may rush 
thoughtlessly into battle; whereas nothing but valor of 
soul ciui stand unmoved, and wait for the coming con- 
flict of life or death, of victory or defeat. 

The solemn stillness was at last broken, when, at 
a quarter to twelve, a bugle sounded on board the 
Detroit, and was answered by loud and concerted cheers 
throughout the British squadron. This was quickly 
followed by a shot from the enemy's flagship, aimed at 
the Laicrence, which had approached within a mile and 
a half of the head of their line. The shot fell short; 
but it was evident that Barclay intended to conduct the 
fight, if possible, at a distance, which his superiority in 
long guns indicated as his wisest plan. The American 
fleet was bearing down on his line at an angle of about 
thirty degrees, with its rear stretched away in the dis- 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 129 

tance. A second shot, five minutes later, reached its 
mark, Perry's flagship, and passed through both 
bulwarks. 

At that moment the advantage lay altogether with 
the British. The Lawrence as yet reached only to the 
third vessel, the brig Hunter, in their line, and was a 
mile or more to windward. The Caledoma was in its 
designated position, a half cable's length behind the Iaiw- 
rencc, and the Niagara, which followed the Caledonia, 
was abaft the beam of the Queen Charlotte. Owing to 
the angle which the line formed with the enemy, they 
were at a slightly greater distance from them than the 
flagship was. The gunboats, however, being dull sailers, 
had been unable to keep their places in the line, and had 
gradually fallen back until the sternmost was more than 
a mile behind the Lawrence, and nearly twice that dis- 
tance from the enemy. They were well beyond the 
range of effective fire with their long guns. It was not 
uncommon for small vessels with low sails to be thus 
retarded in a light breeze, while larger ones were urged 
forward by their lofty light canvas. 

Despite the disadvantage of his situation, Perry still 
bore down in gallant style, receiving the fire from the 
long guns of the Detroit, but retaining his own fire, 
until the enemy apprehended that he intended to board 
them. There was a limit, however, to the time which 
he deemed it prudent to allow his opponent's raking fire 
to play unaffected in aim by a concerted reply. Without 
waiting, therefore, for his small gunboats in the rear 
to regain their position in the line, at five minutes be- 
fore twelve, he opened his fire by a well-directed shot 
from a long gun on the Scorpion. It was aimed and 
fired by her commander, Stephen Champlin, and crashed 
through the rigging of the flagship Detroit. At the 
same moment Perry opened with the first division of his 
own broadside, and inquired of Lieutenant Yarnall if 
the shots struck. Being answered in the negative, he 



I30 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

began a fire with his long twelve-pounders, and ordered 
by trumpet the Ariel;, the Caledonia, and the Niagara, 
to open with their long guns. The other British vessels 
opened at the same time, and the engagement became 
general all along the line, but at a distance, as the two 
fleets were still about a mile apart. 

The two gunboats in the lead bravely kept their 
position, and, although limited in power of attack by 
their few guns and weight of armament, they poured a 
steady and galling fire at the head of the British line. 
The Caledonia, with her long twenty-fours, was able to 
engage at once and did effective work, chiefly against 
the brig Hunter, and in a measure diverted her fire 
from the Lawrence. But the Niagara, which was at a 
still greater distance from the British line, had, like 
the flagship, only two long twelve-pounders that would 
reach the enemy. These, however, were fired with such 
vigor that, in the course of about two hours, nearly all 
the shot of that calibre was expended. From the be- 
ginning of the conflict the fire of the British vessels 
seemed concentrated on the Lawrence, and their heaviest 
shots blazed incessantly upon her. It was evidently 
Barclay's plan to destroy Perry's flagship and lay low 
her commander, early in the engagement, and thus throw 
the fleet in confusion. For here he believed was the 
bone and muscle, and here he knew was the soul and 
spirit of the battle. He would then attack the Niagara 
witli his combined forces, and the otlier vessels in turn, 
and compel their surrender. But there was one weak 
point in his admirable plan. He underestimated his 
foe, little realizing the valor, the courage, the indomit- 
able spirit, and the skill, of the valiant Perry and his 
brave crews. 

In few general actions on the seas has the person- 
ality of the commander counted for so much after the 
battle began. Finding that, from the superiority of 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 131 

the British in long guns, he was suffering more damage 
than he could inflict, Perry formed the desperate reso- 
lution of taking the utmost advantage of the superior 
sailing qualities of the Lawrence, and, leaving the 
Caledonia and the vessels in her rear, advance upon the 
enemy. He therefore passed the word by trumpet to 
the other vessels to close up, and, crowding on all sail 
on the Lawrence, he directed the helm put up, and 
deliberately ran down and closed in with the enemy. 
The breeze, however, was light and his motion was slow, 
and, as he bore down with the flagging wind, the 
Detroit with her long guns hulled his flagship through 
and through, planted shot in her masts and frame, and 
riddled her sails. The Ariel and Scorpion, meanwhile, 
though greatly exposed for want of bulwarks, followed 
the flagship, maintaining their steady fire. They 
suffered but little, however, as they were neglected by 
the enemy, save for a few scattered shots from the 
Chippeway. 

At a quarter past twelve Perry fired a broadside at 
the Detroit, to determine the effect of his heavy guns; 
but, finding that they did little damage to the thick sides 
of his opponent, he continued his onward course until he 
reached a position where every carronade and every 
musket shot might reach its mark. Sailing-master 
Taylor says this was within canister shot distance, or 
within five hundred yards ; but Perry says in his official 
dispatch and account of the battle, at half-canister, or 
about seven hundred feet. There he luffed up and took 
a position parallel to the Detroit, and poured in upon 
her a swift, continuous, and effective fire. Although he 
had suffered from loss of men and injury to his rigging, 
the good effect of his discipline was apparent, as the 
guns were rapidly and skilfully served. The flagships, 
meanwhile, drifted closer and closer together until they 
were scarcely three hundred feet apart, and musket fire 
from both became very destructive. 



132 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

At half-past twelve, Captain Finnis, who com- 
manded the Queen Charlotte^ perceiving that the 
Xiagara, which at the beginning of the conflict was 
destined as his antagonist, kept so far to windward that 
he could neither reach her with his carronades, or run 
up against the wind and lav her alongside, packed on 
all sail and ran down to the aid of the Detroit. He 
soon bore up with the Laiorence and the Caledonia, and 
thus relieved the Hunter which made sail and ran to 
the head of the line to aid the Chippeicay. against the 
Ariel and the Scorpion. By this manoeuvre, Com- 
mander Perry, in the Lawrence, aided only by the gun- 
boats on his weather bow, and the distant shots of the 
Caledonia, had to contend in close action with more 
than twice his force. 

For more than two hours did Perry and his flag- 
ship bear the brunt of the battle ; for, although he was 
gallantly supported by his small vessels, and as vigor- 
ously as could be with their light armaments, the bat- 
teries of the Detroit, the Queen Charlotte, and the 
Hunter, were, during all that time, discharging their 
broadsides upon him. It was a constant hail of iron 
and lead from the muzzles of forty-four guns, with all 
the marines at half-musket shot; while his total arma- 
ment bearing on the enemy was only nineteen guns. 
Yet, throughout the unequal contest, the heroic Perry 
remained unagitated, unshaken and invincible. He had 
no fear, but for the safety and honor of his country; 
no ambition but to conquer or die in her defense. 
Wrought up to the highest state of mental activity, he 
was superior to every infirmity of mind or body, of 
passion or will. He was unmoved in the presence of 
danger, and, midst the scenes of agony and death, he 
maintained a perfect cheerfulness of manner and 
serenity of judgment. 

The carnage on board the Laiorence was terrible; 
yet, as the assistant surgeon has stated, the most per- 



« 
o 

w 

W 
?3 



> 

« 

o 
o 




THE BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE 133 

feet order prevailed during the whole action. There 
was no bustle or confusion, and as fast as the men were 
wounded, they were carried below, and others stepped 
into their places. The dead lay where they fell, until 
the action was over. The "Commodore," as his men 
were pleased to call their young commander, nerved by 
a superior spirit, was untouched, as, covered by a shield, 
impenetrable, though invisible, he continued to encour- 
age and cheer them to fight on. During the whole time, 
says this eyewitness, he was the life and soul of the 
ship, exhibiting a collected and dignified bravery; and 
his countenance was as composed as if he had been en- 
gaged in ordinary duty. Not a murmur, not a com- 
plaint, was heard in the ship, while the storm of hail — 
balls, canister, grape, and bullets — was sweeping over 
and driving through them, with the slain and wounded 
falling on every side, and the blood gushing in streams 
over the decks. 

During the thickest of the fight, Yarnall, the first 
lieutenant, came to his commander with a report that all 
the officers in his division were cut down; and asked 
for others. They were assigned him; but so frightful 
was the slaughter at the guns, as one by one they were 
dismounted by the fierce fire of the enemy's broadsides, 
that he soon returned with a like request. "I have no 
more officers to furnish you," said Perry, "you must 
endeavor to make out by yourself." And true to this 
admonition, although thrice wounded, the brave Yarnall 
kept the deck, and directed his battery in person. 
Dulany Forrest, his second lieutenant, was struck down 
at his side by a grape shot. Fortunately the ball had 
almost spent its force; he was only stunned, and 
quickly recovered. As he rose from the deck, which 
was slippery with blood, he pulled out the shot, which 
had lodged in the lining of his coat, and put it care- 
fully away in his pocket, replying to the anxious in- 



134 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

quiry of his commander, "No, sir, I am not hurt, but 
this is my shot." 

Several men at the guns were shot down while in 
the act of speaking to their commander; and one, who 
had been on the Constitntion , was about to draw him- 
self up to fire, when a twenty-four pound shot passed 
through him and he fell without a groan at Perry's feet. 
Even his young brother, James Alexander Perry, who 
acted as one of his aides, did not entirely escape. Hav- 
ing two musket balls pass through his cap, and his face 
blackened by powder and smoke, the little fellow was 
laid low in front of the commander, by a flying ham- 
mock, which had been torn from the nettings by a 
cannon ball. He was only bruised and slightly wounded 
by small particles ; and soon resumed his duties. John 
Brooks, the gallant captain of marines, and son of a 
popular governor of Massachusetts, met a most agoniz- 
ing death. He was an excellent officer, a man of rare 
endowments and personality, and a close friend of Perry. 
Fearfully mangled by a cannon ball in the hip, that 
swept him across the deck, he was carried below to the 
surgeon's ward, but asked no aid, for he knew his doom. 
As he heroically resigned himself to death, he often 
inquired of the newly wounded as they came from the 
deck, how the battle was going; and ever repeated his 
hope for the safety of his commander. 

In the midst of this terrible havoc, concentrated in 
a single brig, there was one, and only one sentiment of 
wonder, of increasing amazement. It was expressed, at 
first, in guarded words to the commander, by Yarnall, 
by Taylor, and by Forrest. It was uttered in groans 
by the wounded when carried below, and breathed by 
the dying on the deck; and the brave and accom- 
plished Brooks, lifting a last eye aloft, died with this 
bitter accusing question on his lips: "Where is the 
Xidf/nraf Why does she not come down and help us? 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 135 

Why does slie still hug the wind and keep at a distance, 
instead of coming down to take her part in the battle?" 

Ah ! how truly was this a question which could be 
answered only in the heart and soul of Elliott, her com- 
mander. He knew full well that he was expected to 
attack the Queen Charlotte in close action, and had 
mentioned it to his crew in words suited to inspire them 
with confidence. For, from the superiority of his arma- 
ment, he had boasted that if he could come alongside of 
her, he could take her in ten minutes. Why, then, in 
the name of bravery, did he not, with the same wind and 
with enough sail, and as much speed, beat down and 
follow her? Why did he, for two hours after the Queen 
Charlotte left him, leave the Lawrence exposed to the 
destructive fire of three of the most powerful ships of 
the enemy; whilst he with his twenty guns, with the 
wind whistling into their muzzles, might have been 
pouring round, grape, and canister out of them at his 
adversaries, at half-musket shot? There is no evidence 
that a musket, or more than one division of one broad- 
side of his carronades was fired on the Niagara, or that 
this was more than once discharged during the two 
hours and a half. And, to restrain her from passing 
the Caledonia^ "he was compelled frequently to keep the 
main yard braced sharp aback." 

"How could he suffer the enemy undisturbed," 
writes Bancroft, "to fall in numbers on one whom he 
should have loved as a brother, whose danger he should 
have shared, in the brightness of whose glory he should 
have found new lustre added to his own name? Some 
attributed his delay to fear; but, though he had so far 
one attribute to a timid man, that he was a noisy 
boaster, his conduct during the day, in the judgment of 
disinterested observers and critics, acquits him of down- 
right cowardice. Some charged him with disaffection 
to his country, from sympathy with family connections 



136 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

in Canada; but this is an imputation justified by no 
coucurrent circumstances, or acts of his earlier or later 
life. Some thought him blinded by envy, which sews 
up the eyes with an iron thread, and leaves the mind 
to hover on an undiscerninjr wing. He may, perhaps, 
have been disturbed by that unhappy passion, for a year 
before he had himself conspicuously won applause near 
Buffalo, and had then promised himself the command of 
Lake Erie, to be followed by a victory achieved under 
his own flag; that very morning, too, his first position 
had been, as we have seen, in the van; but it had been 
very properly changed for the purpose of placing him 
opposite the Queen Charlotte. 

"Elliott had inherent defects of character. He 
wanted the generous impulse which delights in the fame 
of others; the delicacy of sentiment which rejects from 
afar everything coarse and mean ; the alertness of cour- 
age which finds in danger and allurement; the quick 
perception that sees the time to strike; and self- 
possessed will, which is sure to hit the nail on the 
head. According to his own account, he at first deter- 
mined to run through the line in pursuit of the Queen 
Charlotte, and, having a fair and sufficient breeze, he 
directed the weather braces to be manned for that pur- 
pose, when he observed that the Laicrence was crippled, 
and that her fire was slackening; and after consulta- 
tion with purser Magrath, who was an experienced sea- 
man, he agreed, if the British effect the weather-gage, 
we are lost. So he kept his place next in line to the 
CaJrcJonia, which lingered behind, because she was a 
dull sailer, and, in the light wind was moreover re- 
tarded in her movements by the zeal of Tm'ner, her com- 
mander, to render service by his armament, which en- 
abled him to keep up an effective fire from a distance." 

Under the heavy and destructive fire of twice his 
force, at a distance of only a hundred yards, or less, 
the men on deck became fewer, while nearly all the 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 137 

g:iins of the starboard battery, next the enemy, were 
either dismounted or disabled. Yet, the undaunted Perry 
continued the fight with unabated serenity, making the 
best use of his small force and the means at hand. 
Doctor Parsons, the surgeon's mate, and the only 
medical officer in the fleet who was then able to render 
surgical aid, heard a call for him at the small skylight 
in his apartment, and recognized the voice of his com- 
mander, who said in a quiet tone, "Doctor, send me 
one of your men," indicating one of the six men allowed 
for assistance to the wounded. The call was instantly 
obeyed ; but in the next ten minutes it was successively 
renewed and obeyed, until at the seventh call the 
surgeon could only answer that there were no more. 
"Are there any that can pull a rope?" asked Perry. 
Whereupon, two or three of the heroic wounded crawled 
up the ladder to the deck, to lend a feeble hand at pull- 
ing at the last guns. One in particular, who was so 
sick as to be unfit for duty, begged to be of some use. 
"But what can you do?" he was asked. "I can sound 
the pump, and let a strong man go to the guns," was 
his earnest reply. So he sat down by the pump, and 
at the end of the battle was found at his post, "with 
a bullet through his heart." He was from Newport; 
his name was Wilson Mays. 

The scenes in the surgeon's apartment, which in 
the shallow vessel was necessarily on a level with the 
water, at this time, were most harrowing. The small, 
low room between decks could offer no security to the 
wounded, and was repeatedly perforated by cannon 
balls. The wounded were received on the floor of the 
wardroom, which was about ten feet square, from the 
main hatchway forward; and, after treatment, were 
passed to the berth deck. Once, as the surgeon was 
bending over the table to dress a wound, a cannon ball 
came througli the side of the vessel and passed directly 
over him, and would have killed him outright had he 



138 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

been standing erect. Later, when tlie battle was rag- 
ing with the greatest fury, Midshipman Laub came 
down with his arm badly fractured. The surgeon 
dressed it and applied a splint, and then told him to go 
forward and lie down. As he was about to comply, 
while the surgeon's hand was still on him, a cannon ball 
struck him in the side and dashed him across the room, 
instantly terminating his sufferings. Charles Polrig, 
a Narragansett Indian, who was badly wounded, suffered 
in the same way. 

Never was the advantage of discipline and thorough 
training at the guns more exemplified than in the 
desperate and effective fire of the Lawrence. During 
those fateful two and a half hours that she sustained 
the contest almost alone, so long as her guns remained 
mounted and in working order, her fire was kept up 
with uninterrupted spirit and vigor. Doctor Parsons 
has recorded that he could discover no perceptible dif- 
ference in the rapidity of the firing of the guns over 
his head during the action, except toward the end. By 
that time, however, her rigging was much shot away, 
and was hanging down on the deck or dragging behind ; 
her spars were badly wounded and falling overboard; 
her braces and bowlines were cut, so that it was im- 
possible to trim the yards and keep the vessel under 
control; and her sails were torn to pieces and hanging 
in ribbons. With this condition aloft, on deck the de- 
struction was even more terrible. The bulwarks were 
broken in so that the enemy's round shot passed com- 
pletely through. The shrieks of the wounded and dying, 
and the cra.sh of timbers shattered by cannon balls, or 
splintered by grape and canister, were still heard; but 
her fire grew fainter and fainter, as gun after gun be- 
came dismounted, and the men dropped to the deck 
around them. Death finally had the mastery; the 
carnage was unparalleled in wival warfare. 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 139 

Of the one hundred and one well and able-bodied 
men who had gone into the action, more than four-fifths 
were killed or severely wounded. Twenty-two of the 
gallant seamen and marines lay dead on the deck, while 
sixty-one suffered from musket and gun shot wounds. 
Only Perry himself, his little brother, and sixteen of 
his brave crew remained unharmed. The deck, in spite 
of the layer of sand, was slippery with blood, which 
ran down the sides of the ship. Only one gun was left 
mounted, to fire which Perry himself assisted. At last 
even this was bowled over and disabled; every brace 
and bowline was shot away, and, despite the exertions 
of the sailing-master, the vessel became unmanageable. 
Yet, through it all. Perry did not despair, for he had 
an eye which could see through the cloud. He could 
see that the Detroit, upon which he had directed his 
fiercest fire, and of whose crew many were killed or 
wounded, was almost disabled. But he did not know 
that on board the Queen Charlotte the loss was most 
important; for Captain Finnis, her commander, an able 
and intrepid seaman and officer, had fallen at his post ; 
and that Lieutenant Stokes, the next officer in rank, 
had been struck senseless by a splinter. 

At this stage of the battle, which terminated the 
first action, Elliott, in the Niagara, which lay about half 
a mile or more to windward, eagerly watched the last 
spasms of the Lawrence, as she gasped in w^eck and 
ruin. Now that her fire was dying away, that there 
was little movement on her decks, strewn with the dead, 
and that no fresh signal was hoisted from his superior, 
he persuaded himself that the indomitable Perry lay 
among the slain. Believing, therefore, that the chief 
command of the fleet now devolved on himself, Elliott 
hailed the Caledonia and signalled Lieutenant Turner 
to bear up and make way for him. But he little 
reckoned with what stuff the young officer was made; 
for he at once, without a word, put up his helm in a 



14© OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

most daring manner, and made all sail for the enemy's 
line, using his small armament all the while to the best 
advantage. With what satisfaction and pleasure must 
his commander, from the scene of death and ruin, have 
witnessed this heroic act of Turner — the utter disre- 
gard of Elliott's order, and of his bearing down toward 
the flagship, to defend her to the last and, if need be, 
to share her fate. 

Meanwhile Elliott, seeing the bold manoeuvre of 
Turner, which brought him in close action between the 
flagship and the enemv, under a freshening breeze 
passed to windward, or to port, of the Caledonia, in a 
line that cai'ried him still further away from the scene 
of action. Off to his right lay the Lawrence disabled 
and silent; by all the rules of naval warfare and for 
the sake of suffering humanity, he should have given her 
protection by sailing his uninjured sliip with his fresh 
crew, between her and the British. But instead of this 
he kept to the windward, sheltered by the helpless flag- 
ship, and, firing at the Queen Charlotte at a distance, 
steered for the head of the British line. Perry, who 
looked with dismay on this fresh evidence of treachery, 
n<Mv saw with the swiftness of intuition the new plan 
which promised to bring victory out of defeat. In the 
crippled condition of the enemy, which had been brought 
about by liis superhuman exertions, if he could get the 
Xiuffara into close action, ''victory must perch on his 
banner." So he resolved on the moment to transfer his 
flag from the tattered Lawrence to her uninjured con- 
sort ; and directed that his boat, which hung at the stern 
and, like himself, had escaped the storm of iron hail, 
shoukl be lowered and manned for that purpose. The 
comnuind of the Laurence thereupon devolved upon the 
wounded Yarnall, to whom and the remnants of his 
crew he gave the pledge in reassuring tone: "If a 
victory is to be gained, I'll gain it." 




y^ -i 



o .= 

>-l u 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 141 

As Perry then went over the port gangway into 
his boat, with his little l^rother and seven oarsmen, he 
pointed to the battle flag still flying at the mast-head, 
as if seconding the admonition of its trumpet words, 
"Don't give up the ship." But to Yarnall, he said: 
"I leave it to your discretion to strike or not as seems 
best; but the American flag must not be pulled down 
over my head today." Unconscious or unmindful of 
danger, Perry continued to stand erect in the boat, with 
his brave oarsmen imploring him not to expose himself 
thus needlessly. For, as the smoke of battle had rolled 
away, the enemy observed the small boat leaving the 
Lawrence, and, quickly penetrating the design, had at 
once directed a heavy fire of great guns and musketry at 
it. Directing all their energies to destroy the boat, its 
sides were filled with bullets, several of the oars were 
splintered, while the crew was covered with spray from 
the round shot and grape that churned the water on 
every side. Yet the unconquerable Perry stood un- 
moved and defiant. The act was simply the uncon- 
scious expression of the invincible spirit of the man; 
and it moved his men to a drastic measure. Losing for 
a moment their sense of subordination in realization of 
his danger, and with anxiety for the periled honor of 
their country, they threatened to lay on their oars 
unless he sat down. Thus earnestly entreated and with 
his young brother clinging to him, he finally yielded to 
their wishes; whereupon they at once gave way with a 
hearty good will. With all their exertions, however, 
more than ten minutes passed in that storm of shot and 
lead before they reached the Niagara. Under a freshen- 
ing breeze she was then passing the weather or port beam 
of the LoAvretice, at a distance of nearly half a mile; 
but in a direction which would soon have carried her 
entirely out of the action. 

While this heroic scene was being enacted on the 
water, the little group of survivors on the crippled flag- 



142 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

ship stood spellbound with anxiety and doubt, watch- 
ing the progress of their beloved commander. They saw 
the broadsides aimed at him, and fall harmlessly around 
him; they saw marines on the decks and sharpshooters 
in the tops of three vessels of the enemy shower at him 
musket balls, which only ruffled the water of the lake; 
they saw the seamen for a brief moment rest on their 
oars, and their commander sit down; and, at fifteen 
minutes before three, they saw the oars dipping for 
the last time, as the boat passed under the port quarter 
of the Xiagara. Then, as they saw him step lightly on 
her deck, apparently unharmed, they gave way to hearty 
but feeble cheers; and turned to face the desperate sit- 
uation of the Lawrence. The enemy still continued 
their fire on the helpless vessel; and Lieutenant Yar- 
nall, as commander, consulted with Forrest and Taylor. 
It seemed to be his duty to spare the lives of the brave 
fellows entrusted to him, and the frightful slaughter 
of the wounded below. There were no more guns that 
could be fired, and had there been, men were wanting 
to handle them. Of their entire crew only nine re- 
mained untouched and unharmed. Further resistance 
was impossible; to hold out longer would only expose 
life recklessly. "Yet, they had braved the enemy's fire 
for three hours," observes Bancroft, "could not they 
confide in help from their commodore and hold out five 
minutes more? True, they had no means of offense, 
but the battle flag with its ringing words floated over 
their heads; they had a pledge to keep; they had an 
enemy whose dying courage they should refuse to re- 
animate; they had their country's flag to preserve un- 
blemished; they had the honor of the day's martyrs to 
guard; they had a chief to whom they should have 
spared unspeakable pain ; they had the wounded to con- 
sider, who with one voice cried out : 'Rather sink the 
ship than surrender I Let us all sink together!' And 
yet a shout of triumph from the enemy proclaimed to 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 143 

both fleets, that the flag of the Lawrence had been 
lowered ; nor did they then forbode how soon it was to 
be raised again." 

Upon the quarter deck of the Niagara, facing her 
commander, stood the unconquered Perry, black with 
the smoke and grime of battle, but unscathed, with not 
so much as a scratch on his skin, or a hair of his head 
harmed. The same merciful providence that had 
watched over him during the desperate battle, had after- 
ward conducted him safely through the storm of leaden 
hail. With his fortitude unimpared by the horrors of 
the last hour, he was radiant with the indomitable pur- 
pose of winning the day. As he glanced quickly at the 
ship's rigging and sails, and at her hale crew that 
thronged the deck, ready and eager for the conflict, his 
buoyant nature assured him of a harvest of glory. For 
he beheld the Niagara, "very little injured," even "per- 
fectly fresh," with her crew in the best of spirits, and 
only three men hurt. The presence of his commander, 
whom he had thought dead, was a great blow to Elliott ; 
his mind was stunned, and he asked the foolish ques- 
tion, "What is the result on your brig?" as if he had 
not seen the Lawrence a helpless wreck, and believed her 
commander had fallen. "Cut all to pieces," replied the- 
calm and dispassionate Perry, who even then was form- 
ulating his plan for redeeming the day. "I have been 
sacrificed," he added, but checked himself. The rebuke 
died on his lips, and he blamed only the wind and the 
inability of the gunboats in the rear to get into the 
action. This evidence of the magnanimous nature of 
his superior smote Elliott with shame; he entirely lost 
his self-possession, and, catching at the thought which 
seemed to relieve him from censure, he offered to go and 
bring up the gunboats. "You may do so," said Perry; 
for his wish had been anticipated; and was best for 
both. Thus, the second officer of the fleet, whose right 
and duty it would be to take the chief command should 



144 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Perry be wounded, left Ms own brig, and went in the 
same boat that had brought his chief, on a needless 
errand, to bear a superfluous message which might have 
been signalled to the gunboats, which, under their faith- 
ful officers were already advancing with sweeps and 
oars, as fast as possible. 

As Elliott stepped into the boat. Perry quickly rove 
his pennant to the masthead of the Niagara, and hoisted 
the signal for close action. This order was seen by the 
whole fleet, and was instantly answered by loud and pro- 
longed cheers. To know that their commander once 
more trod the deck of a sound and fully-manned brig, 
whose crew had scarcely suffered, and whose purpose 
was to redeem the day, filled the drooping spirits of 
the faithful with renewed hope and enthusiasm. Their 
chief, whose judgment had instantly condemned the 
course in which Elliott had been steering, at forty-eight 
minutes after two, gave an order to back the main top- 
sail, in order to keep the brig from running entirely 
out of the action. He then brailed up the main trysail, 
put the helm up to run down before the wind, altered 
her course eight points, or a whole right-angle, and, 
with squared yards, set foresail, topsail and top-gallants, 
and bore down to cut the British line, which lay at a 
distance of half a mile. 

Captain Barclay, in the battered Detroit, seeing the 
prospect of another encounter with a second brig, which 
appeared uninjured, and under the command of one who 
had fouglit tlie Lawrence with such skill and obstinacy, 
was filled with despair. He had other work to do than 
fight another battle, and in his crippled condition the 
outlook was anything but promising. Off on his port 
quarter lay the helpless LauTeuce, with her flag down, 
but as yet, in the stress of other duties, not taken posses- 
sion of. Was he to be deprived of the reward of three 
hours' hard fighting, after suffering such loss? Was 
the tide of battle at last to go against him? And in 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE EEIE 145 

what an unfortunate predicament he now found himself. 
In attempting to veer around, or wear ship, in order 
that he might bring his starboard broadside to bear, 
several of his port gTins being disabled, the Queen 
Charlotte, not having imitated this action with suffi- 
cient quickness, ran her bowsprit and head booms into 
the mizzen rigging of the Detroit, and, becoming foul 
of each other, remained fixed in this precarious position. 

Meanwhile, the gunboats in the rear of the line, by 
the superhuman exertions of their brave crews in the 
use of sweeps, had arrived within effective range of 
their guns. In the lead of these was the sloop Trippe, 
with one long thirty-two, under the command of Lieu- 
tenant Holdup Stevens, which now took the place, on 
the weather quarter of the Detroit, so long held by the 
gallant Turner in the Caledonia. Inspired by the dar- 
ing exploits of their intrepid commander, these young 
officers, without slackening their fire, exchanged signals 
for boarding the Detroit; and were about to carry the 
design into execution, when they observed with delight 
their chief bearing down under a full press of canvas, 
with the evident purpose of cutting the British line. 

At this moment the Niagara, which, seven or eight 
minutes in the freshening breeze had brought within 
canister-shot distance of the enemy, became for the first 
time a deadly combatant. With guns double-shotted 
and crew impatient to do their share of the day's fight- 
ing. Perry still bore on utterly regardless of the raking 
fire to which he was fully exposed. Cutting into the 
enemy's line, he placed the Chippeioay and the Lady 
Prevost on his left, the Detroit and Queen Charlotte on 
his right, and shortened sail to check the velocity so as 
to make sure of his aim. Passing slowly under the 
bows of the Detroit and across the stern of the Lady 
Prevost, within half-pistol shot, with cool and fatal 
accuracy, to the right and to the left, he poured into 
both vessels as they helplessly exposed, his deadly and 



146 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

destructive broadsides. The loud many-voiced shriek of 
agony that arose from the Detroit told of the terrible 
slaughter on her decks; while on the Lady Prevost the 
survivors, terrified by the raking fire which they had 
suffered, fled below the deck. There was no one left 
but her commander who, with a severe wound in the 
head, stood gazing about with a vacant stare. Seeing 
this, Commander Perry, who was merciful even in 
battle, stopped the guns on that side. 

Having cut through their line with such terrible 
havoc, the tide of battle was now turned. In a moment 
the invincible Perry, with victory almost within his 
grasp, luffed up to take a position athwart the two ships, 
which had now got clear of one anotlier, and continued 
to pour into them a close and destructive fire. In this 
close action the gunboats and the brig at the right of 
the line, and the Bomers, the Tigress, and the Porcupine, 
from the rear, added their fire with deadly results. The 
haurt^ence, meanwhile, had drifted to leeward entirely 
out of the action ; but the remnants of her devoted crew 
watched with keen interest the scene before them. They 
saw the gunboats in the rear of the line forging ahead 
with sweeps into the action; they saw the brave young 
oft'icers. Turner and Stevens, boldly advancing on the 
Detroit, as if to board ; they saw their commander bear- 
ing down under full press of sail to break the British 
line; and, with renewed hope and revived spirits, they 
again raised the flag of liberty above their heads. Later, 
when they saw the destruction on the enemy's ships, 
wrought by the fierce broadsides of the Niagara, they 
knew the day was redeemed. They exulted in the 
prowess of their commander, and the valor of the young 
officers and men ; and felt that they had not fought, 
nor had their less fortunate shipmates bled and died, in 
vain. 

At a few minutes after three, or in eight minutes 
after Perry broke through their line, the British fleet 






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THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 147 

was completely at his mercy, in a state of utter ruin. 
The Queen Charlotte, which was in a position to be 
raked fore and aft, had suffered terribly; her lower 
sails hung in shreds, while her bulwarks were beaten in 
and her guns dismounted. She was the first to give up 
the conflict, one of her officers appearing on the taff- 
rail and waving a white handkerchief, bent on a board- 
ing pike. On the Detroit the wreck and carnage was 
scarcely less compete and pitiable than on the Lawrence. 
Every brace had been shot away, the mizzen topmast 
and gaff were down, and the other masts were badly 
splintered; there was not a stay left forward, the hull 
was badly shattered, and many guns were dismounted. 
The ship was completely unmanageable, and Lieutenant 
Inglis, her second in command, hailed the victors to say 
he surrendered. The brig Hunter and the schooner 
Lady Prevost, which lay to leeward under the guns of 
the Niagara., yielded at the same time. The Chippeway, 
on the right, and the Little Belt, at the extreme left, 
attempted to escape ; but were pursued by the Scorpion 
and the Trippe, which soon overhauled them and 
brought them back. The last shot of the battle, like 
the first, was aimed and fired by Stephen Champlin, the 
commander of the Scorpion. 

When the cannonade ceased, its thunders hushed, 
and the echoes had died away upon the distant shores 
of the lake, the deep silence of nature, which had been 
banished for awhile, succeeded, broken only by the feeble 
groans of the wounded and dying. As the winds of 
heaven swept away the smoke of battle, uncovering a 
victory which was to give immortal renown to the 
victors, it revealed the vessels of both fleets, now ac- 
knowledging one master, completely mingled. For a 
time every voice was silent. "The victors were too proud 
to exult; the vanquished too brave to complain." All 
paused; and a feeling of awe crept into the heart of 



148 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

everyone who had come unhurt from the terrible con- 
flict, fraught with its scenes of agony and death. 

Now that the flags of the enemy were down, in evi- 
dence of submission, there began the proud though pain- 
full duty of taking possession of their vessels. The 
officer sent from the yiagara, on boarding the Detroit, 
found Captain Barclay, who had been twice wounded, 
prostrated in his berth. Early in the action he had 
been struck by a grape shot in the thigh, and carried 
below to the surgeon's ward. In the first moment of 
returning consciousness, upon learning that Lieutenant 
Garland, who was next in command, had fallen at his 
post, he caused himself to be borne upon the deck to 
again direct the movements of the fleet, in person. 
During the terrible broadsides of the Niagara, he was 
again struck by grape in the right shoulder, the shot 
entering below the joint, breaking the blade to pieces, 
and leaving a most painful wound. But before sur- 
rendering, the heroic Barclay was again carried on deck, 
to convince himself that further resistance would be 
unavailing. Meanwhile Lieutenant Bignall, command- 
ing the Hunter, and Masters-mate Campbell of the 
Chippewaij, were severely wounded. On all the vessels 
of the British fleet the loss of officers was appalling and 
felt in the action ; and at the end, only the commander 
of the Little Belt remained unharmed and fit for duty. 

About four o'clock, when the most pressing needs 
of the moment had been supplied, and the wounded and 
sick given every attention possible in the narrow con- 
fines of the ward room and cabin, Perry turned to 
announce the victory to his country. Searching in his 
pockets for paper upon which to write, he found only 
a letter, on the back of which he wrote the laconic 
message which has immortalized his name. It was ad- 
dressed to General Harrison in these ringing words : 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 149 

^'Dear General : 

We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two 
ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. 

Yours with great respect and esteem, 

O. H. Perry." 

As he wrote to the secretary of the navy, without 
deliberation, in a moment of victory, a. solemn awe at 
his wonderful preservation in the midst or great and 
long continued danger, prompted him to attribute his 
signal victory to divine providence: 

"U. S. brig, Niagara, 
Off the Western Sister, head of Lake Erie. 
September 10, 1813, 4 P. M. 
Sir: 

It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of 
the United States a signal victory over their enemies on 
this lake. 

The British squadron, consisting of two ships, two 
brigs, one schooner and one sloop, have this moment 
surrendered to the forces under my command, after a 
sharp conflict. 

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

O. H. Perry. 
To Hon. Wm. Jones, Secretary of the Navy." 

Nothing could be more characteristic of the man 
and officer than the blended modesty, generosity, and 
fair-mindedness of this celebrated dispatch, which gave 
vent to a spontaneous impulse of his heart. He made 
no allusion to himself, except when he unavoidably re- 
ferred to the squadron under his command; and the 
only idea of the desperate struggle in which his own 
courage and genius was so conspicuous, was conveyed 
in the simple words, "a sharp conflict." 



ISO OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Having dispatched these letters by special express 
to the army headquarters at Seneca, he made signal to 
anchor, with a view of affording greater facility for 
securing the prisoners, and for the comfort of the 
wounded. He then dispatched Sailing-master Brownell 
to take charge of the Somers, to which he soon ordered 
seventy prisoners to be removed from the larger captives. 
Forty of the more desperate and seasoned "tars" were 
ironed and confined below decks, while the remainder 
were arranged about the long gun in a reclining posture, 
with the crew forming bulwarks across the deck, and 
ready to fire at the least indication of the prisoners to 
rise. Equally careful arrangements were made for the 
safe-keeping of the prisoners on other vessels of his 
fleet. 

Having performed these imperative duties. Com- 
mander Perry returned in his boat to his tattered flag- 
ship, to be again among his brave shipmates, and to do 
what he was able for the wounded. His coming aboard 
the Lawrence has been impressively described by Doctor 
Parsons, in these words : "It was a time of conflicting 
emotions when the commodore returned to his ship. 
The battle was won; he was safe. But the deck was 
slippery with blood and brains, and strewn with the 
bodies of twenty-two officers and men, some of whom had 
sat at table with us at our last meal, and the ship 
resounded everywhere with the groans of the wounded. 
Those of us who were spared and able to walk, ap- 
proached him as he came over the ship's side, but the 
salutation was a silent one on both sides; not a word 
could find utterance." Here, amid the carnage of battle, 
in the presence of the small remnant of his noble crew, 
Perry received the commanders of tlie captured vessels, 
as they came to tender their formal surrender. 

Througliout the battle, at the request of his officers, 
lie liad worn a uniform round jacket ; but for the solemn 
ceremony of receiving the captives, he resumed his un- 



THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 151 

dress uniform, and stood on the quarter deck. As the 
British officers came over the gangway, silent and 
harassed by many disturbing emotions, picking their 
way among the dead and wreckage, they tendered their 
swords to Perry for his acceptance. With a native 
dignity befitting the occasion, but without the least be- 
trayal of exultation, in a low tone of voice he requested 
them to retain their side arms, meanwhile, inquiring 
with deep concern for Captain Barclay and the wounded 
officers; and expressed his regret that he had not a 
spare medical officer to send them. 

When twilight fell, the sailors and marines who had 
fallen in their gallant and desperate defense of the 
Lawrence, and those of the other vessels, were sewed 
up in their hammocks with a cannon ball at their feet; 
and, when the ritual of the Anglican Church had been 
read, they were dropped one by one into the lake. At 
length, when the day's work was done — the battle 
fought, the wounded succored, and the dead consigned 
to the deep — exhausted nature claimed rest, and the 
victorious Perry turned into his cot, and slept as do the 
brave, the just, and the pure in heart, as soundly and 
restfully as a child. 

The tribute to the hero by Bancroft is worthy of 
record : 

"The personal conduct of Perry throughout the 
tenth of September was perfect. His keenly sensitive 
nature never interfered with his sweetness of manner, 
his fortitude, the soundness of his judgment, the prompt- 
ness of his decision. In a state of impassioned activity 
his plans were wisely drawn, were instantly modified as 
circumstances changed, and were executed with entire 
coolness and self-possession. He crowned his victory 
with his modesty, forbearing to place his own services 
in their full light, and was more than just to others. 
When he was rewarded by promotion to the rank of 



152 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

captain, he, who never murmured at promotion made 
over his head, hesitated about accepting a preferment 
which might wound his seniors, 

"The mastery of the lakes, the recovery of Detroit 
and the Far West, the capture of the British army in 
the peninsula of Upper Canada, were the immediate 
fruits of his success. The imagination of the American 
people was taken captive by the singular incidents of a 
battle in which everything seemed to flow from the per- 
sonal prowess of one man ; and everywhere he came the 
multitude went out to bid him welcome. Washington 
Irving, the chosen organ as it were of his country, pre- 
dicted his ever increasing fame. Rhode Island cherishes 
his glory as her own; Erie keeps the tradition that its 
harbor was his shipyard, its forests the warehouses for 
the frames of his chief vessels, its houses the hospitable 
shelter of the wounded among the crews; Cleveland 
graces her public square with a statute of the hero, 
wrought of purest marble, and looking out upon the 
scene of his glory; the tale follows the immigrant all 
the way up the Straits, and to the head of Lake Supe- 
rior. Perry's career was short and troubled; he lives 
in the memory of his countrymen, clothed in perpetual 
youth, just as he stood when he saw that his efiforts were 
crowned with success, and he could say in his heart, 
'We have met the enemy and they are ours.' " 



CHAPTER IX 

Events After the Battle 

THE dawn of morning revealed to the survivors of 
both fleets the deadly fierceness of the combat; 
and the victors for the first time took account of 
their losses. The sides of the Lawrence were completely 
riddled by shot from the long guns of the enemy, and 
her decks were thickly covered with clots of blood, while 
fragments of the unfortunates who had been hit by 
cannon balls were still sticking to the rigging and sides. 
The vessel was so shattered as to be unfit for sea service ; 
and Captain Perry decided to make her the hospital 
ship for his fleet. He accordingly transferred his flag 
to the schooner Ariel, from which he directed the sub- 
sequent movements of his vessels. The sides of the 
Detroit and Queen Charlotte suffered scarcely less, A 
British officer who saw them in Put-in Bay, a few days 
after, wrote: "It would be impossible to place a hand 
upon the broadside, which had been exposed to the 
enemy's fire, without covering some portion of a wound, 
either from grape, round, canister, or chain shot." Their 
masts were so much injured that they rolled out in the 
first severe gale. The other vessels were not much 
damaged in hull, rigging or sails, and, after slight re- 
pairs, rendered valuable service to the conclusion of the 
war. 

The total losses in the American fleet were twenty- 
seven killed and ninety-six wounded, of which twenty- 
two were killed and sixty-one wounded on the Latvreiice; 
and two were killed and twenty-five wounded on the 
Niagara, the dead and all but three of the wounded hav- 

153 



154 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

ing suffered after Perry boarded her. One was killed 
and three wounded on the Ai-iel; two were killed on 
the Scorpion; while three were wounded on the 
Caledonia, two on the Somers, and two on the Trippe. 
While the casualties were not as many as might have 
been expected, considering the fierceness of the battle, 
the sufferings of the wounded were terrible. As Doctor 
Parsons, on the Lairreuce, was the only surgeon who 
wa.s' able to perform duty, the delay in making amputa- 
tions and giying proper care to the wounded, added 
greatly to their distress. During the whole night of the 
tenth he was occupied in administering opiates, and ar- 
resting renewed bleeding among the wounded. But at 
dayliglit he had his first patient on the table for ampu- 
tation, and by eleyen o'clock he had completed the opera- 
tions. He then attended witli infinite care to the dress- 
ing of minor wounds, and at ten o'clock at night a few 
of the slightly wounded still remained without atten- 
tion. Then, after thirty-six hours of constant duty in 
a stooping position, he was obliged to desist, from mere 
physical exhaustion. The remaining wounded of the 
other vessels were only seen for the first time the follow- 
ing day, or forty-four hours after the battle. But by 
rare skill and humane attentions, only three of the total 
wounded died, which the surgeon modestly attributed to 
"their being abundantly supplied with fresh provisions, 
to a pure atmosphere under an awning upon deck, to 
the cheerful state of mind occasioned by victory, and to 
the devoted attention of the commodore to every want." 
Perry liad scarcely removed his flag to the Ariel, before 
his extreme solicitude for liis suffering shipmates 
brought him back to the Jjaicrence, where he spent some 
time going among the sick and wounded offering cheer 
and comfort. 

In the course of the day he visited Captain Barclay, 
wlio lay severt'ly wounded in his cabin on tlie Detroit ; 
and from that hour began a warm and enduring friend- 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE 155 

ship between them. Captain Perry not only procured 
every comfort for his wounded prisoner, but advanced 
him and his officers sums of money required for their 
personal use. Afterward, having the conviction that 
nothing but a return to his country could restore the 
British officer, he wrote with such urgency to the secre- 
tary of the navy in his behalf, making the request as a 
personal favor, the only one he had to ask, that a parole 
for him was eventually obtained. The wounded of the 
British fleet met with equal assiduous care, and at Erie 
a few weeks later, Captain Barclay was seen, with 
tottering steps, supported by General Harrison and 
Captain Perry, as he walked from the landing place to 
his quarters. Months after, on his way home. Captain 
Barclay, at a ball given in his honor by the bravery and 
beauty of Canada, showed his deep appreciation of the 
kindness of his victor, by giving a toast, which was re- 
ceived with great applause : "Commodore Perry, the 
gallant and generous enemy." 

The losses of the British fleet, as reported by Cap- 
tain Barclay, amounted to forty-one killed and ninety- 
four wounded. Of the dead three were officers; and 
nine officers were wounded, some very seriously, which 
loss was sensibly felt during the action. Every officer 
commanding vessels, and their seconds, were either 
killed, or wounded as to be unable to keep the deck. 
Lieutenant Buchan, in the Lady Prevost, was wounded 
in the head, and the purser of the Detroit, who nobly 
volunteered his services on deck, was hurt in the knee. 
Two days after the battle two Indian chiefs, clad in 
sailor's clothes, in which they appeared very ill at ease, 
were discovered in the hold of the Detroit. They had 
been taken aboard to act as sharpshooters in the tops; 
but when the battle became warm by the crashing of 
timbers on the deck and destruction around them, they 
were panic-stricken and, with the exclamation "quoh", 
fled below. When brought out from their hiding place 



156 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

they expected nothing less than torture and scalping, 
but Perry, after a few good-humored words, directed 
them to be fed and sent ashore. 

About nine o'clock on the morning of the eleventh 
the united fleets weighed anchor and sailed for Put-in 
Bay, where they arrived at noon. An opening on the 
margin of the thickly-wooded shore was selected for the 
burial place of the officers who had fallen ; and on the 
following morning, which was Sunday, their remains 
were consigned to the earth with an appropriate and 
affecting ceremonial. The day was serene, every breeze 
was hushed, and not a wave ruffled the surface of the 
water. The men of both fleets mourned together. As 
the boats moved slowly in stately procession from the 
ships, the slow and regular motion of the oars, keeping 
time with tlie notes of the solemn dirge, the mournful 
waving of the flags, showing the sign of sorrow, the 
sound of the minute guns on the ships reverberated from 
shore to shore. The spot where the party landed was 
a wild solitude, the stillness of nature giving to the 
scene an air of melancholy grandeur. The procession 
then formed, according to rank, in reversed order, the 
youngest of the dead being borne first, the British and 
American alternately, with the remains of Captain 
Finnis coming last. The men of both nations walked 
in alternate couples to the graves, like men who, in the 
presence of eternity, renewed the relation of brothers 
and members of one human family. The remains of 
three Americans, Brooks, Laub, and Clark, were lowered 
into the earth, side by side with three of the British, 
Finnis, Stokes, and Garland, volleys of musketry closing 
the mournful ceremony. 

On the thirteenth of September, whieli was ushered 
in by a violent gale from the southwest, Captain Perry 
found leisure to draw up a detailed report of tlie battle, 
together with statements of the relative losses. Like 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE ^57 

his earlier dispatches, this report is admirable for the 
modesty with which he mentions his own movements, 
and for his evident desire to make all under his orders 
appear advantageously. This was particularly true re- 
garding Commander Elliott, and was well suited to pre- 
vent any unfavorable impression being formed of his 
conduct. True to the dictates of his heart he set up 
no claims to the glory of the victory, but submitted all, 
with unexampled modesty, to the award of his country. 
"We are particularly pleased," wrote Irving, "with his 
letter giving the details of the battle. It is so chaste, 
so moderate and perspicuous; equally free from vaunt- 
ing exultation and affected modesty; neither obtruding 
himself upon notice, nor pretending to keep out of sight. 
His own individual services may be gathered from the 
letter, though not expressly mentioned, indeed, where 
the fortune of the day depended so materially upon him- 
self, it was impossible to give a faithful narrative with- 
out rendering himself conspicuous." The report follows 
in detail: 

"United States schooner Ariel, 
Put-in Bay, 
13' of September, 1813. 
Sir: 

In my last I informed you that we had captured the 
enemy's fleet on this lake. 1 have now the honor to 
give you the most important particulars of the action. 
On the morning of the tenth inst., at sunrise, they were 
discovered from Put-in Bay, where I lay at anchor with 
the squadron under my command. We got under way, 
the wind light at S. W., and stood for them. At 10 
A. M., the wind hauled to S. E. and brought us to wind- 
ward; formed the line and brought up. At 15 minutes 
before 12 the enemy commenced firing; at 5 minutes 
before 12 the action commenced on our part. Finding 
their fire very destructive, owing to their long guns, and 



158 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

its being mostly directed to the Laicrence, I made sail, 
and directed the other vessels to follow, for the pur- 
pose of closing with the enemy. Every brace and bow- 
line being shot away, she became unmanageable, not- 
withstanding the great exertions of the sailing-master. 
In this situation she sustained the action for upwards 
of two hours, within canister shot distance, until every 
gun was rendered useless, and a greater part of the crew 
either killed or wounded. Finding she could no longer 
annoy the enemy, I left her in charge of Lt. Yarnall, 
who, I was convinced, from the bravery already dis- 
played by him, would do what would comport with the 
honor of the flag. At half past 2, the ivind springing 
np. Captain EUiott.was enabled to bring his vessel, the 
Xiagara^ gallantly into close action; I immediately 
went on board of her, when he anticipated my wish by 
volunteering to bring up the schooners, which had been 
kept astern by the lightness of the wind, into close 
action. It was with unspeakable pain that 1 saw, soon 
after I got on board the Niagara, the flag of the 
Laicrenee come down, although I was perfectly sensible 
that she had been defended to the last, and that to have 
continued to make a show of resistance would have been 
a wanton sacrifice of the remains of her brave crew. 
But the enemy was not able to take possession of her, 
and circumstances soon permitted her flag again to be 
hoisted. 

"At 45 minutes past two, the signal was made for 
^dose action.' The Niagara being very little injured, I 
determined to pass through the enemy's line, bore up 
and passed ahead of their two ships and a brig, giving a 
raking fire to them from the starboard guns, and to a 
large schooner and a sloop, from the larboard side, at 
half-pistol shot distance. The smaller vessels at this 
time having got within grape and canister distance, 
under the direction of Captain Elliott, and keeping up 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE 159 

a well directed fire, the two ships, a brig, and a schooner 
surrendered, a schooner and a sloop making a vain at- 
tempt to escape. 

"Those officers and men who were immediately 
under my observation evinced the greatest gallantry, and 
I have no doubt that all others conducted themselves as 
becoming American officers and seamen. Lieutenant 
Yarnall, first of the Laivrence, although several times 
wounded, refused to quit the deck. Midshipman For- 
rest (doing duty as Lieutenant), and Sailing-master 
Taylor, were of great assistance to me. I have great 
pain in stating to you the death of Lieutenant Brooks, 
of the marines, and Midshipman Laub, both of the 
Lawrence, and Midshipman Clark, of the Scorpion; 
they were valuable officers. Mr. Hambleton, purser, 
who volunteered his services on deck, was severely 
wounded late in the action. Midshipmen Claxton and 
Swartwout, of the Latvrence, were severely wounded. 
On board the Niagara, Lieutenants Smith and Edwards, 
and Midshipman Webster (doing duty as sailing- 
master ) , behaved in a very handsome manner. Captain 
Brevoort, of the army, who acted as a volunteer in the 
capacity of a marine officer on board that vessel, is an 
excellent and brave officer, and with his musketry did 
great execution. Lieutenant Turner, who commanded 
the Caledonia, brought that vessel into action in the 
most able manner, and is an officer that in all situations 
may be relied upon. The Ariel, Lieutenant Packett, 
and the Scorpion, Sailing-master Champlin, were en- 
abled to get early into the action, and were of great 
service. Captain Elliott speaks of the highest terms 
of Mr. Magrath, purser, who had been dispatched in a 
boat on service, previous to my getting on board the 
Niagara; and being a seaman, since the action has 
rendered essential service in taking charge of one of the 
prizes. Of Captain Elliott, already so well known to 
the government, it would be almost superfluous to speak. 



i6o OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

In this action lie evinced his characteristic bravery and 
judgment, and since the close of the action has given 
me the most able and essential assistance. 

"I have the honor to enclose you a return of the 
killed and wounded, together with a statement of the 
relative force of the squadrons. The captain and first 
lieutenant of the Queen Charlotte, the first lieutenant 
of the Detroit, were killed. Captain Barclay, senior 
officer, and the commander of the Lady Prevost, 
severely wounded. Their loss in killed and wounded 
I have not yet been able to ascertain ; it must, however, 
have been very great. 

Very respectfully, I have the honor to be, 
Sir, your obedient servant, 

O. H. Perry. 
To Hon. Wm. Jones. 

Secretary of the Navy." 

At the close of the battle, every voice, whether of 
seamen or marines, was loud in praise of the com- 
mander of the fleet; every tongue was questioning, or 
reluctantly restrained from doing so, the conduct of the 
second in command. All who wrote to home or friends 
were, in their letters, openly expressing their censure 
on the position and action of the Niagara, during the 
first action. The moment this was known to Cap- 
tain Perry his magnanimous nature impelled him to 
send Lieutenant Turner and Mr. Hambleton, his trusted 
friends, one to every vessel of the fleet, the other to the 
camp of the army on the main land, entreating them to 
stop. "Why," said he, "should a young ofificer be 
ruined? Why should the public eye look on any part 
of the battle with disapprobation? Honor enough for 
all has been won ; and I am desirous that all my com- 
panions in arms shall share it with me." By this con- 
certed effort, every letter not already dispatched, was 
stopped, and in deference to the wishes of their beloved 



EVENTS AFTEE THE BATTLE i6i 

commander, all reference to Elliott was left out. This 
act will ever be held as honorable of Perry's generosity, 
as the victory was to his courage. 

In the official dispatch it will be noted that the 
commander saves Elliott from disgrace by a benevolent 
ambiguity. "At half past two," he wrote, "the wind 
springing up. Captain Elliott was enabled to bring his 
vessel, the Niagara., into close action." Although 
Elliott had requested him to place this "enabled" at 
an earlier hour, the most that he could say, in all truth, 
was enabled; he could not say he did bring the Niagara 
into close action, for every man of the fleet knew that 
this was done by Perry himself, after Elliott had left 
his ship. The public might infer that Elliott, since he 
was enabled to bring, did in fact, bring up the Niagara 
gallantly into close action; and Elliott was quite will- 
ing it should be left in this ambiguity, to clear himself 
from blame. However the public may at first have 
taken the dispatch, all the efforts of Captain Perry to 
shield his second officer of the fleet, were unavailing. 
For, although his officers and the men of the Lawrence 
respected his wishes in this respect, some few dis- 
affected ones and the prisoners quietly spread reports 
of the exact movements of the Niagara before Perry had 
boarded her, and of the culpability of her commander. 
Some of the British seamen even went so far as to de- 
clare that, had such delinquency occurred in their fleet, 
the officer would have been hung to the yards of his 
own ship. 

A transcript of the log of the Lawrence, made 
within twenty-four hours after the battle, serves as a 
searchlight on the position of the Niagara during the 
first action, or until Perry boarded her. It was the duty 
of Sailing-master Taylor to keep a register of the im- 
portant events of the day, for preservation, which were 
admitted facts at the time, and undisputed by anyone. 
The copy of the register, or log, for the tenth of Sep- 



i63 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

tember, 1813, was made by an officer of the Lawrence 
into his private diary, and is as follows : "Put-in Bay, 
at 5 A. M., discovered the enemy's squadron bearing 
N. W., wind S. W. ; at seven could see all vessels, two 
ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. At 10, 
called all hands to quarters. At a quarter before 
meridian the enemy commenced the action at one mile 
distant. In half an hour we came within musket shot 
of the enemy's new ship, Detroit. At this time they 
opened a most destructive fire on the Lawrence, from 
the whole squadron. At half past one, so entirely dis- 
abled we could work the brig no longer. At 2 P. M., 
most of the guns were dismounted, breechings gone, 
and carriages knocked to pieces. Captain Perry hauled 
down his flag and repaired on board tlie Xiagara, which 
hitherto had kept out of the action, and in fifteen 
minutes passed in among the British squadron, having 
the Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and the Hunter on the 
starboard side, and the Lady Prevost and Chippewap 
on the larboard side, and silenced them all ; and in 
ten minutes after three, they hauled down their colors. 
Two small vessels attempted to escape but were over- 
hauled, and struck a few minutes later." 

If further evidence was needed to convince the 
public of the turpitude of Elliott, it was the official re- 
port of Captain Barclay to the British Admiralty. Al- 
tliough this document casts no new light on the battle 
scene, it reveals the position of the Xiagara in the 
first encounter: 

"His Majesty's ship, Detroit, Put-in Bay, 
Lake Erie, September 12, 1813. 
Sir: 

The last letter I had the honor of writing you, dated 
the sixth inst., informing you that unless certain intima- 
tion was received of more seamen being on the way to 
Amherstburg, I should be obliged to sail with the squad- 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE 163 

ron, deplorably manned as it was, to fight the enemy 
(who blockaded the port), to enable us to get supplies 
of provisions and stores of every description; so per- 
fectly destitute of provisions was the port, that there 
was not a day's flour in store, and the crews of the 
squadron under my command were on half allowance of 
many things, and when that was done, there was no 
more. Such were the motives which induced me to 
sail on the ninth instant, fully expecting to meet the 
enemy next morning, as they had been seen among the 
islands; nor was I mistaken. 

"Soon after daybreak they were seen in motion in 
Put-in Bay. * * * The line was formed according 
to a given plan. About ten, the enemy had cleared the 
islands and immediately bore up, under easy sail, in a 
line abreast, each brig being also supported by the 
smaller vessels. At a quarter before twelve, I com- 
menced the action with a few long guns; about a quarter 
past twelve the American commodore, also supported 
by two schooners, one carrying four long 12-pounders, 
the otl\er long 32 and 24-pounders, came close in 
action with the Detroit; the other brig of the enemy, 
apparently destined to engage the Queen Charlotte, sup- 
ported in like manner by two schooners, kept so far to 
windward as to render the Queen Charlotte's 20-pounder 
carronades useless, while she was, with the Lady Pre- 
vost, exposed to the heavy and destructive fire of the 
Caledonia. 

"The action continued with great fury until half 
past two, when I perceived my opponent drop astern, 
and a boat passing from him to the Niagara [which 
vessel teas at this time perfectly fresh). * * * As 
the Queen Charlotte was in such a situation that 1 could 
receive very little assistance from her, he made a noble, 
and alas, too succesful an effort to regain the day, for 
he bore up, and supported by his small vessels, passed 



i64 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

within pistol shot, and took a raking position on our 
bow, nor could I prevent it. My gallant first lieuten- 
ant, Garland, was now mortally wounded, and myself 
so severely that I was obliged to quit the deck. * * ♦ 
Lieutenant Inglis showed such calm interpidity, that 
I was fully convinced that, on leaving the deck, I left 
the ship in excellent hands. * * • Captain Perry 
has behaved in a most humane and attentive manner, 
not only to myself and officers, but to all the wounded. 
I have the honor to be, etc., 

R. H. Barclay, 
Commander and late Senior Officer." 

In the Court martial for the trial of Captain Bar- 
clay, which was held months after in England, evidence 
was introduced showing that the Niagara was actually 
nwMrig aioay. The proceedings were reported in a Lon- 
don paper of the time, as follows : 

"Naval Court Martial. 

A court martial was held at Portsmouth, on Fri- 
day, on board His Majesty's ship Gladiator, for the 
trial of Captain R. H. Barclay and his remaining 
officers and men, for the loss of the squadron on Lake 
Erie, on the tenth of September, 1813, in an action with 
the American flotilla. 

"On the following morning he fell in with the 
enemy, and having the weather-gage, bore down to com- 
mence the action; but, unfortunately, the wind veered 
directly round, and brought our squadron to leeward. 
The commencement, however, was propitious ; the Amer- 
ican commodore was obliged to leave his ship, which 
soon after surrendered, and hoist his flag on another of 
the squadron, which had not been engaged and was 
maJdng away, when unfortunately, the Queen Charlotte 
and Detroit, our two best ships, having had all their 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE 165 

ojfficers killed or wounded, fell on board of each other, 
and were unable to clear — at the same time the greater 
number of their guns were dismounted, and the Lady 
Prevost had fallen to leeward, having lost her rudder. 
The Americans, seeing the situation of our ships, re- 
newed the action with the assistance of their gunboats, 
by which the whole of our squadron was obliged to 
surrender." 

The allegation made in this report that the Niagara 
(with Commander Elliott in command) "was making 
away", induced him to call for a court of inquiry. After 
due deliberation the court decided that "imperious duty 
compels this court to promulgate testimony that ap- 
pears materially to vary in some of its important points, 
— and that the charge made in the proceedings of the 
British Court Martial, by which Captain Barclay was 
tried, of Captain Elliott attempting to withdraw from 
the battle, is malicious and unfounded in fact. On the 
contrary it has been proved to the satisfaction of this 
court, that the enemy's ship the Queen Charlotte, bore 
off from the fire of the Niagara, commander by Captain 
Elliott." This report merely negatived the allegation 
that Elliott "was making away," and had nothing what- 
ever to do with his proved delinquency of conduct in 
standing off and leaving the flagship to bear the con- 
certed fire of the whole British fleet. But the allegation 
shows conclusively the British view of the movements of 
the Niagara and the conduct of her commander during 
the first action. 

Returning to the chronicle of human events occur- 
ring immediately after the battle, we find that Com- 
mander Elliott, upon discovering the unfavorable im- 
pression made by his conduct during the combat, had 
taken to his berth, less from sickness than chagrin, as 
Doctor Parsons afterward stated. While in this state 
of mind, Captain Perry soon after visited him, when he 
declared to his superior "that he had lost the fairest 



1 66 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

opportunity of distinguishing himself that man ever 
had." Perry was moved by the abject torture of mental 
faculties, as exhibited by Elliott, to make every effort 
to relieve him. Accordingly, when, a few days after, to 
avail himself of the generosity of his commander, Elliott 
addressed to him a letter requesting him to state what 
had been his conduct during the battle, he replied in 
terms of approbation, which he subsequently had cause 
to regret. Commander Elliott's letter, copied from the 
original in the Mackenzie collection, was as follows: 

"U. S. ship Niagara, September 18, 1813. 

Dear Sir : 

My brother, who has this evening arrived from the 
interior of the country, has mentioned to me a report 
that appeared to be in general circulation, that, in the 
late action with the British fleet, my vessel betrayed a 
want of conduct in bringing into action, and that your 
vessel was sacrificed in consequence of a want of exer- 
tion on my part individually. I will thank you if im- 
mediately you will, with candour, name to me my exer- 
tions, and that of my officers and crew. 
Yours respectfully, 

Jesse D. Elliott. 

An immediate answer is desired. 
To Captain O. H. Perry, Ariel/' 

Captain Perry's reply was as follows : 

"U. S. schooner Ariel, Put-in Bay, 

September 19. 1813. 
Dear Sir: 

I received your note last evening after I had turned 
in, or I should have answered it immediately. I am in- 
dignant that any report sliould be in circulation pre- 
judicial to your character, as respects the action of the 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE 167 

tenth instant. It affords me pleasure that I have it in 
mj power to assure you, that the conduct of yourself, 
officers, and crew was such as to meet my warmest ap- 
probation. And I consider the circumstances of your 
volunteering: and bringing up the smaller vessels to 
close action as contributing largely to our victory. T 
shall ever believe it a premeditated plan of the enemy to 
disable our commanding vessel, by bringing all their 
force to bear upon her ; and I am satisfied, had they not 
pursued this course the engagement would not have 
lasted thirty minutes. I have no doubt, if the Charlotte 
had not made sail and engaged the Lawrence, the Ni- 
agara would have taken her in twenty minutes. 
Respectfully, etc., 

O. H. Perry. 
To Captain Jesse D. Elliott." 

That Perry made a great mistake in writing this 
letter, and even committed a grievous fault, though his 
motives were generous, cannot be denied. He had gone 
too far in shielding his subordinate, in framing his 
official report, and, while it was perfectly natural that 
he should have continued his efforts to this end, the 
warmth of his expressions must be condemned. A 
writer in the North American Review of 1841, Vol. 53, 
had this to say on this point : "Perry in his generous 
sentiment that 'there is honor enough for us all,' forgot 
that he had no right to make others share in the dis- 
honor of an individual. His neglect to arrest Captain 
Elliott on the day of the battle, was the great error of 
his life, and he had sufficient cause to repent it. No 
compromise with guilt, whatever the motive that leads 
to it, can be safe." 

In justice to Captain Perry, what he said to his 
most intimate friend, Mr. Hambleton, in palliation of 
his mistake, should be included and fully understood: 
"It was a matter of great doubt, when I began to re- 



i68 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

fleet upon Captain Elliott's conduct, to what to attri- 
bute his keeping so long out of the action. It was diffi- 
cult to believe that a man, who as I then thought, had, 
in a former instance, behaved bravely, could act other- 
wise in a subsequent action. I did not then know 
enough of human nature to believe that any one could 
be so base as to be guilty of the motive which some" 
ascribe to him, namely, a determination to sacrifice me 
by keeping his vessel out of action. 

"On the evening of the action I was elated with 
success, which had relieved me of a load of respons- 
ibility, and from a situation, standing as I did with the 
government, almost desperate. At such a moment there 
was not a person in the world whose feelings I would 
have hurt. On showing Captain Elliott the rough draft 
of my official report, when I asked him if it was a cor- 
rect statement, he assented; but, after a while did not 
like the manner in which I spoke of the Niagara, and 
asked me if I could alter it. I told him I thought not, 
but would take time to reflect, and, if I could with pro- 
priety, would do so. Upon reflection, I was sensible I 
had already said and done too much. Subsequently 
I became involved in his snares ; and, on his writing me 
a note, of which he ha-s piihlished only a part, I was 
silly enough to wTite him in reply the foolish letter of 
the nineteenth of September, because I thought it neces- 
sary to persevere in endeavoring to save him. 

"This undoubtedly reflects on my head, but surely, 
not on my lieart. I was willing enough to share with 
hi HI and others the fame I had acquired. Although, my 
friend, I never have arrogated to myself superior judg- 
ment — on the contrary, am aware of my weakness in 
being very credulous — yet I was certainly as capable 
of deciding, after reflection, on events that occurred 
under my own eyes, as any other in the squadron, and 
the opinions of others had nothing to do with mine as 



EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE 169 

respects Captain Elliott. Although my want of judg- 
ment may cause regret to my friends, yet no one can re- 
flect on the goodness of my heart and the correctness of 
my principles," 

The efforts of Captain Perry, in behalf of Elliott, 
not only to exhibit his conduct in a light favorable in 
the official report, and the letter in the same spirit, but 
also by repeated requests to his officers to refrain from 
mentioning the matter in discussing the battle with the 
public, would doubtless have attained their object, and 
left Elliott in possession of an enviable reputation, had 
he been satisfied to leave the whole matter as it then 
stood. But instead of awakening in Elliott a keen sense 
of gratitude, these magnanimous efforts of his superior 
"appear to have planted in his bosom the most implac- 
able hatred." The sequel to this base ingratitude will 
be shown in its true light in a subsequent chapter. 



CHAPTER X 

Following Up the Campaign on Land 

THE military and political consequences of Perry's 
victory, coming at a most critical time in the 
war on the western frontier, were of the most 
momentous character. This splendid achievement gave 
to the United States the undisputed supremacy of Lake 
Erie and the Niagara frontier, and made necessary the 
evacuation of Maiden and Detroit. It released the 
whole northwest territory from dread of the scalping 
knife; it broke up the confederacy of Indian tribes; it 
wiped out the stigma of Hull's surrender; it enabled 
General Harrison immediately to invade, by concerted 
aid of the victorious fleet, the British territory, with 
the pursuit and capture of their army under Procter. 
From the moment of this victory, when the colors of 
the Queen Charlotte and the Detroit were lowered, the 
ambitious schemes of the enemy upon our western 
borders were forever blasted, and the last vestige of 
British domination along the southern shores of the 
inland seas practically expired with the discharge of 
the last cannon, whose thunders closed the battle of Lake 
Erie. 

From an international standpoint Perry's victory 
was equally far reaching. It won for the American 
arms the respect of the whole world; and was an im- 
pressive notice to Europe that the nation, which had 
been baptized in blood at I^xington, was amply able to 
care for itself on land and sea. The victory had a 
strong determining effect on terminating the last war 
our country has had with England, and was the chief 

170 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 171 

factor in establishing the permanent boundary line be- 
tween Canada and the United States, which was most 
favorable to us. The signing of the Treaty of Ghent, in 
1814, by those distinguished American statesmen, John 
Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and Albert Gallatin, ended 
the war, and secured to their country the concession by 
Great Britain of the supremacy of the Great Lakes, a 
supremacy which Perry had placed beyond question, 
and which exists today as it was then established. The 
treaty presaged the retention by the United States of a 
princely domain bordering on the lakes, which would 
have been forever lost to them had Fate crowned Captain 
Barclay instead of Captain Perry, as the hero of Erie. 

Perry's victory, moreover, insured the development 
of the struggling settlements along the lake shores; it 
promoted the unprecedented growth that followed when 
they became lake ports, and hurried the time when great 
cities took their places, and others sprang up in the 
interior, with their vast commercial and industrial rela- 
tions. Under the American flag the sisterhood of states 
reaped plentifully where it had not sown. It profited 
and became affluent by reaping the timber, mineral, and 
agricultural riches of a territory second to none, of 
equal extent, in those natural resources that denote the 
favored places of the earth. The battle of Lake Erie 
bound to the destiny of the republic each commonwealth 
whose waters, however slightly, are laved by the clear 
blue waters of the lakes. It provided foothold and free- 
dom for the development of American civilization, and 
welded the strongest links in the chain of our national 
progress. 

The effect of the decisive victory on a despairing 
people was no less brilliant. Of Perry the government 
and people had expected much ; and, having so signally 
fulfilled his trust and captured the whole British squad- 
ran, the onlv one that had ever been surrendered, the 



173 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

people found in liim a new sort of hero. They were 
carried away by his youthful vigor, by the energy and 
skill with which he built and manned his fleet, by the 
unwavering serenity with which he bore the brunt of 
the battle, by the dramatic shift of command in the open 
boat, and by his indomitable spirit with which, when 
all seemed lost by the misconduct of Elliott, he brought 
up the Xiagara and turned defeat into victory. As the 
news spread over the country, bells were rung, cannon 
were fired, and buildings were illuminated at night, in 
his lionor. At Boston the United States frigate Consti- 
tution honored him with a salute. His name was on 
all lips; it was repeated with enthusiasm on the streets; 
it was emblazoned in the journals of the day; it was 
placed on signs of taverns and given to halls and public 
buildings; and was the theme of scores of naval songs, 
odes, verses, and impromptu lines. In their ecstacy of 
joy the people wore badges bearing the name of Perry; 
and it was placed on articles of household use. He was 
everywhere hailed, like the immortal Washington, as 
the savior of his country. It is said that "the general 
joy was unetiualled since the surrender of Cornwallis at 
Yorktown." 

The reception of the news of Perry's victory by the 
army in camp at Seneca, near the present city of Fre- 
mont, Sandusky C(ninty. was the occasion of great re- 
joicing. The event was vividly recalled years after, in 
1860, by General Lewis Cass, then Secretary of State. 
During the military operations of the Northwestern 
army, he had a command under General HaiTison, with 
the rank of Brigadier-General. For some time he had 
been stationed at Seneca, where the troops destined for 
the invasion of Canada were assembled, with a view of 
ulterior operations when the proper moment should ar- 
rive. About the tenth of September General Harrison 
had marched from Seneca with a portion of the army. 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 173 

for the mouth of Portage Eiver, the point selected for 
embarkation, leaving General Cass in command of the 
main body of the army: 

"Towards evening of the twelfth of September," he 
wrote, "an express reached the camp at Seneca bringing 
the first news of the brilliant victory in which we felt 
so deep an interest. He was conducted to my tent, and 
delivered to me a package of dispatches. Among these 
was a letter for the secretary of the navy, and another 
for the commanding general. The latter I opened and 
read with feelings it were vain to attempt to describe. 
It contained the memorable annunciation that the battle 
had been fought and the victory won, in those imperish- 
able words, which I need not repeat, for they are every- 
where engraved upon the American heart. The intelli- 
gence was immediately communicated to the troops, and 
those who were present, and are still living, can only 
appreciate the joyful emotions with which it was re- 
ceived. It was not only gratifying to their national 
pride, as a great naval victory, but it secured for them 
a safe passage across the lake, to the enemy's shore. 
The manifestations of this feeling, exhibited upon that 
occasion, are vividly impressed upon the memory." 

The movements of the Northwestern army, shortly 
after the battle of Lake Erie, are indicated by a dis- 
patch of General Harrison to General Armstrong, then 
secretary of war, as follows : 

"Headquarters, mouth of Portage River, 

Lake Erie, 15th September, 1813. 

Sir: 

You will have been informed from the letter of 
Commodore Perry to the secretary of the navy, of the 
brilliant naval victory obtained by him, and the capture 
of the whole of the enemy's flotilla on this lake. I 
arrived here the day before yesterday with a part of the 



174 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

troops from Seneca Town, and this morning General 
Cass has brought on the remainder. Governor Shelby 
has also arrived with his militia. We are busily en- 
gaged in embarking the stores and artillery, and by the 
day after tomorrow the whole will be afloat. General 
McArthur will join me the day after, at the Bass 
Islands, with the troops from Fort Meigs, and on the 
following night, if the weather permits, we shall sail for 
the Canadian shore." 

The prisoners of the captured fleet, meanwhile, had 
been landed at Sandusky, whence they were marched to 
Chillicothe. On the nineteenth of September the Loic^ 
reuce, with hastily made repairs to her spars, rigging, 
and sails, weighed anchor and stood out of the bay for 
Erie, with the sick and wounded of the American fleet. 
As slie sailed out of the harbor. Captain Perry went on 
board to take leave of his brave shipmates, and to make 
sure that everything had been done for their comfort. 
He had already procured whatever supplies the sparsely 
settled country along the shores afforded, for his own 
and the British wounded, and had opened his own pri- 
vate stores for the use of the surgeon, who drew upon 
them freely. True to his generous desire to save the 
reputation of Elliott, he urged the officers and men to 
avoid any remarks about the conduct of the Niagara, 
and cautioned Lieutenant Forrest, who was to carry 
the captured colors of the enemy to Washington, to re- 
frain from any discussion of the subject. 

During the first few days after the battle. Captain 
Perry had been busily engaged in making the urgent 
repairs to the vessels of both fleets still fit for active 
service, to stage the next drama of the war. About the 
fifteenth, with his small vessels, he began the removal 
of the army from the mouth of Portage River to Put-in 
Bay. A day or two after he himself sailed in the Ariel 
for the same point, to receive General Harrison and his 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 175 

staff, and convey them to the rendezvous. Attached to 
the party in the capacity of guards were about thirty 
young Virginians, the remnants of a company, called 
the Petersburg Volunteers, which had suffered much by 
battle and disease during a year's campaign. While 
en route to Put-in Bay the evening meal was served the 
officers in the cabin, after which they assembled on 
deck to enjoy the cool and bracing air of the lake. 

"We were engaged in animated conversation," re- 
lates Major Chambers, of Kentucky, an aid to General 
Harrison, "when one of the Virginians, whom a spirit 
of adventure had led to abandon a life of ease for the 
hardships of the camp, and who had scarcely recovered 
from an attack of malarial fever, approached me and 
asked, in an undertone, if it would be possible for him 
to obtain a cup of coffee. He was still weak, he said, 
and the cold and coarse food which the army had been 
confined to while on the march, he had found almost im- 
possible to partake of. As I was slightly acquainted 
with the commodore, having met him for the first time 
only an hour or two before, I hesitated about asking the 
favor, and, as Mr. Packett, who commanded the vessel, 
was reluctant to trouble his superior officer, the matter 
was dropped. Imagine, therefore, my surprise and 
pleasure when, a half hour later, the entire company of 
Virginians was invited into the cabin to an excellent 
supper, and upon whom the warm-hearted Perry 
attended in person. Afterward I received a firm but 
kindly worded rebuke from the commodore for having 
hesitated to explain what accident alone had revealed 
to him, the longing of those poor fellows for a cup of 
hot coffee. He happened to overhear the quiet request 
of the half-sick soldier, and had sent directions to his 
steward unnoticed by anyone." "This incident," con- 
tinued the Major, "made a lasting impression on me, 
and confirmed my earlier opinion of the character of the 



176 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

gallant commodore, that lie was as generous and kind 
as he Avas brave and noble." 

At length, on the evening of the twenty-second, the 
army, which mustered four thousand five hundred men, 
was assembled at the Bay, together with the artillery 
and military stores. As the vessels of the reorganized 
fleet, with the Niagara in the lead, were insufficient to 
embark the entire force at one time, it was decided to 
rendezvous with the troops at Middle Sister, as Perry 
had suggested to the general some time before the battle. 
Accordingly, on the twenty-third, they began the opera- 
tion of transferring the army and, notwithstanding in- 
terruptions from bad weather, they were comfortably 
in camp on the twenty-sixth. Governor Shelby, mean- 
while, had arrived with the mass of Kentucky militia; 
and General McArthur, with the troops from Fort Meigs 
on the Maumee, was on the way. Everything, there- 
fore, seemed propitious, as soon as favorable weather 
should favor the enterprise, for the movement of the 
whole army simultaneously by means of the squadron 
and small boats, to the Canadian shore. 

On the twenty-sixth Captain Perry, and General 
Harrison who had his headquarters on the Aj'ieL pro- 
ceeded to the mouth of the Detroit River and recon- 
noitered the harbor of Maiden and intervening shores. 
At this time the general fixed upon a plan to land the 
troops at a point about three miles south of the village 
of Amherstburg, as the British called the settlement 
close by to Maiden. General orders of debarcation, of 
march, and of battle were immediately drawn up under 
the direction of the general, on board the Ariel while 
returning to the Middle Sister, and made known to the 
army at once upon arriving there. The orders con- 
cluded with the following words of encouragement and 
humane caution: "The general entreats his brave 
troops to remember that- they are the sons of sires whose 
fame is immortal; that they are to fight for the rights 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN i77 

of their insulted coiintrT, while their opponents combat 
for the iinJTist i)retensions of a master. Kentiickians ! 
remember the River Raisin I but remember it only while 
the victory is suspended. The revenge of a soldier can- 
not be gratified upon a fallen enemy!" 

Long before daybreak of the twenty-seventh, the 
weather being mild and the lake smooth, the army was 
taken on board the fleet or embarked into the small 
boats, for the final movement to the enemy's shore. 
About nine o'clock, all being afloat, the vessels weighed 
anchor and stood towards the mouth of the Detroit 
River; and arrived at the point of debarcation, about 
a mile and a half east of Bar Point, early in the after- 
noon. With springs on their cables the war ships 
anchored in line of battle, close in shore to cover the 
landing of the troops. In an hour all that could be 
carried in the boats were landed on the beach, in ad- 
mirable order, and in readiness for the advance on 
Maiden. But with all their caution to avoid a surprise 
on landing, there was no enemy to oppose them. The 
fortress of Maiden and adjacent camp had been evac- 
uated by the British, and the fort, barracks, and navy 
yard destroyed. This information was at once com- 
municated to Captain Perry, who weighed anchor, stood 
up the river into the cove, and took a position off the 
town. The remainder of the troops were landed at five 
o'clock, soon after the main body of the army had 
marched in and taken possession. 

The evacuation and destruction of this stronghold 
by General Procter was rendered inevitable by the loss 
of the British fleet, and the want of provisions to stand 
a long siege. The force under his command consisted of 
seven hundred regular troops, the militia of the district 
of Upper Canada, and about three thousand Indians 
who were exceedingly anxious to fight. Although 
Procter had the advantage of position, he was far from 



178 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

his base of supplies and, having no means of reaching 
his base except by forced marches, with winter closing 
in upon him, he decided to move eastward while he 
could do so without interruption. In this decision he 
was not influenced in the least by the attitude of the 
Indian chiefs, who strongly opposed retreating, the im- 
policy and disgrace of which bore upon them heavily. 
As a result more than two-thirds of the Indians deserted 
the British when the retreat was begiin, only the in- 
vincible Tecumseh and his followers remaining stead- 
fast. In the lengthy harangue, which occurred on the 
eighteenth of September, in which this noted chieftain 
attempted to dissuade the general from his inglorious 
design, he said : 

"Listen Father, our fleet has gone out, we know 
they have fought; we have heard the great guns, but 
know nothing of what has happened to our Father with 
the one arm. Our fleet has gone one way and we are 
very much astonished to see our Father tying up every- 
thing and preparing to run away the other, without 
letting his red children know what his intentions are. 

"You always told us that you would never draw 
your foot off British ground ; but now we see you draw- 
ing back, and we are sorry to see our Father doing so 
without seeing the enemy. We must compare our 
Father's conduct to a fat animal that carries its tail 
upon its back, but, when affrighted, it drops it between 
its legs and runs oft'. 

"Listen, Father. The American have not yet de- 
feated us by land, neither are we sure that they have 
done so by water ; we therefore wish to remain here and 
fight the enemy, should they appear. If they conquer 
us, we will then retreat with our Father." 

No time was lost in following the retreating enemy, 
the army nmrching up the east bank of the river, while 
the fleet sailed up the Detroit with the heavy baggage 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 179 

and the military vStores. At a small hamlet, called 
Sandwich, where they arrived on the twenty-ninth, Gen- 
eral Harrison learned that the British had made a stand 
on the rio^ht bank of the river Thames, at a point fifty- 
six miles further on, leaving the Michigan territory to 
revert to its rightful possessors. General Procter evi- 
dently intended to fortify himself in that position, and 
await attack; and, if defeated, to continue his retreat 
eastward in the direction of Lake Ontario. The Indians 
to the number of two thousand, who had abandoned the 
British on their retreat, comprising the Ottawas, Chip- 
pewas, Wyandots, ^liamis, and a band of hostile Dela- 
wares, were received at Sandwich, and made peace with 
the Americans by offering to co-operate with them 
against their former friends. On the same day the 
Indians lurking in the neighborhood of Detroit, across 
the river, gave their submission to General McArthur, 
with seven hundred troops, and agreed to "take hold of 
the same tomahawk, and strike all who were enemies of 
the United States, whether British or Indians." General 
Harrison thereupon issued a proclamation, announcing 
the expulsion of the enemy from Michigan, and re-estab- 
lishing the former civil government. He then returned 
in the Ariel to Sandwich, in time to meet the mounted 
Kentuckians under Colonel Johnson who, with the 
horses belonging to the staff and field officers, had 
crossed the river. 

The river Thames, along which the scene of war was 
then laid, is a deep and winding stream flowing in a 
westerly direction, and discharges its waters into Lake 
St. Clair about twenty-five miles east of Detroit. It 
reaches far inland in the general direction of Procter's 
retreat, and he had used the lake and river to transport 
in small boats his heavy baggage and supplies. Learn- 
ing of this. Captain Perry, on the thirtieth of Septem- 
ber, sent the Niagara, under the command of Com- 
mander Elliott, the Lad}/ Prevost, then under the com- 



i8o OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

mand of Lieutenant Turner, and the Scorpion and the 
Tifjres's into the lake in pursuit of them. He followed 
soon after with the Ariel, and the Caledonia, commanded 
by Holdup Stevens; and on the second of October 
appeared off the mouth of the Thames, but too late to 
intercept the escaping boats before they had entered the 
river. As the Scorpion, Tigress, and the Porcupine 
were the only vessels which could cross the bar at its 
mouth, Commander Elliott, with a large number of 
small boats, was dispatched up the river to convey the 
baggage of the army, and to protect the passage of the 
troops over the Thames or its tributaries, should serious 
opposition be offered by the enemy. 

The army, meanwhile, had advanced rapidly, and 
on the morning of the third of October reached the 
neighborhood of the Thames. They had met some oppo- 
sition in crossing the four tributary streams, which were 
deep and muddy, and at one place the bridge was being 
destroyed as they approached. They saved it, however, 
and repaired another further on, and camped four miles 
below Dalson's, where it was supposed the enemy was 
entrenclied ready to give battle. At this place the 
Thames becomes narrow with a more rapid current, and 
the banks are high and steep, and heavily wooded for 
many miles. As the character of the land would expose 
the decks of the vessels to the Indian sharpshooters, 
while their artillery would be of no service, it was 
agreed that tliey sliould be left there, with the small 
boats and the baggage under a guard of infantry. 

At this stage of the campaign Perry became so 
tlioroughly enthused with the spirit of the chase on 
land, that he was unwilling to remain inactive with the 
gunboats, and tendered his services to General Harri- 
son as an aid-de-camp. It was not enough that he had 
won a glorious victory on the water, but with his ag- 
gressive nature he must follow it up by daring deeds on 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN i8i 

land. He was not content to rest on the fame already 
won, as most men would, but he must still gratify that 
old craving-, "to meet the enemies of his country," so 
long as any remained. Of the dangers and perils into 
which this desire might lead him, he gave no thought. 
The general received him most cordially on his staff; 
and, by the kindness of Major Chambers, who dis- 
mounted his servant. Captain Perry was provided with 
a horse. Thus, the sailorman in all his glory became, 
for the time being, a horseman in the army of his 
country. 

The volunteers from the army who had served in 
the fleet on the memorable tenth of September, upon re- 
turning to the ranks, had spread among their comrades 
most glowing accounts of Perry's heroism and human- 
ity ; and most of the soldiers in the crossing of the lake 
had seen something of him for themselves. By his ex- 
ertions and the efforts of the general, the most perfect 
harmony had existed between the soldiers and the 
sailors, among whom there usually prevailed a constitu- 
tional dislike. On this account, and owing to the en- 
thusiasm aroused by his decisive victory, aided no less 
by his commanding appearance and the grace and skill 
of his horsemanship, he was rapturously received in the 
army, and followed by animating cheers. The exercise 
of the rapid pursuit of the enemy, after a confinement 
of some weeks on shipboard, oppressed with cares and 
anxiety, exhilarated him greatly; and he found much 
amusement in the odd ways and sayings of the hardy 
Kentuckians. 

But the march of the pursuing army, which then 
numbered about three thousand five hundred men, soon 
became the more serious business of war; and hourly 
there were increasing evidences that it would result in 
overtaking the enemy, with an inevitable fight or sur- 
render. Some small boats were captured and their 



i82 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

crews made prisoners; and at every favorable point the 
Indians were encountered in their efiforts to check the 
advance of our troops. Eight miles from the encamp- 
ment of the previous night was the Village of Chatham, 
where another tributary of the Thames was to be 
crossed. The bridge over this stream had been com- 
pletely destroyed, and on the opposite bank were several 
hundred Indians drawn up to dispute any attempted 
passage. Believing the whole British force to be in the 
immediate vicinity, General Harrison drew up his army 
in order of battle, and stationed his artillery to cover 
the party detailed to replace the bridge. But the 
Indians proved to be only a skirmishing party, for they 
soon fled, and the army passed over. Beyond the bridge 
a house, stored with arms, and further up stream a 
small vessel, laden with guns and ammunition, were 
discovered in flames, but by heroic efforts they were 
saved. An advance of four miles revealed two other 
vessels on fire, and also a large distillery, filled with 
ordnance and valuable stores, whicli were burned. Two 
24-pounders, with their carriages, and a quantity of 
shot and powder, were, however, found abandoned by 
the fleeing enemy. 

Tims the army closed up with the British forces, 
which were still on the right bank of the Thames, and 
only a few miles ahead. A night came on it was evi- 
dent that the pursuit would end on the following morn- 
ing, and a battle waged. They therefore halted, pickets 
were stationed and both officers and privates bivouacked 
in the field, the prairie grass for their beds, and the 
can()i)y of heaven for their covering. 

At an early hour on the morning of the fifth of Oc- 
tober, the luarcli was resumed through a fine agricul- 
tural country, abounding with well cultivated farms, 
surrounded by fruitful orchards. The peaceable inhab- 
itants, hai'assed by the passage of tlieir own army, and 
terrified by the prospect of pillage and plunder of their 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 183 

pursuing enemies, had abandoned their possessions and 
fled. But General Harrison took care that they should 
not suffer at the hands of his army, as he rigorously 
forbade the slightest depredations. At one point two 
gunboats and a number of bateaux, coming up the river 
with supplies and military stores, were overtaken and 
captured, thus adding another blow to the already 
desperate situation of the pursued army. 

By nine o'clock the American forces had reached a 
place called Arnold's Mills, at which was the only ford 
within several miles that could be used to reach the 
right bank of the river, up which the enemy was re- 
treating. The water was too deep, however, for the in- 
fantry to wade across without becoming thoroughly 
soaked, and the cavalrymen hesitated to take the foot- 
men behind them on their tired horses. Those who 
were mounted were about to proceed through the ford, 
leaving the footmen to wade or get across as best they 
could in the few canoes and bateaux which had been 
captured near by, when Captain Perry, as related by 
Major Chambers, rode into the crowd at the ford, pulled 
a footman up behind him and dashed quickly into the 
stream, calling meanwhile to the cavalrymen to do like- 
wise and follow him. The officers of the staff who were 
in front at once followed his example, and the others, 
catching the spirit of the movement, did likewise. In 
a few moments the whole army was on the opposite 
bank, in a comfortable condition to pursue the march 
and engage in battle. 

About eight miles above the ford the army passed 
the place where the British had bivouacked on the pre- 
vious night, although General Procter and his staff had 
passed the night at the Moravian Town, an Indian vil- 
lage under the care of the Moravian missionaries, about 
four miles further up the Thames. Procter then real- 
ized that it would be impossible to escape with his army 



184 OLIVEK HAZARD PEKRY 

without engaging in a desperate combat; and had 
lialted his forces a mile and a half in front of the Mora- 
vian settlement, and disposed them in order of battle. 
The position he had taken was a strong one, directly 
across the line of march ; and the mounted Kentuckians, 
who rode in the van, were soon halted. Colonel R. M. 
Johnson, their commander, thereupon sent back word to 
(leneral Harrison that his progress was arrested. 

The advantage of Procter's position was chiefly due 
to the character of the ground. Upon the border of 
the Thames there was a thick forest of lofty beeches, but 
with little if unj underbrush, wliich extended back from 
the river for a space of two hundred and fifty or three 
hundred yards. Back of this forest was a large and im- 
])assable swamp, which ranged for several miles parallel 
to the river. The road, over which the line of march 
had been taken, ran through the forest along the bank 
of the stream. It was across this road and the narrow 
strip of land that the enemy's line had been formed, 
with their left resting on the river, supported by the 
artillery, and their right on the swamp, covered by the 
Indians under the dauntless Tecumseh. The position 
was well chosen, inasmuch as the swamp on one flank, 
and the river on the other, effectually prevented th(Mu 
from being turned; and the American army, though of 
greater numbers, could only oppose a line of equal ex- 
tent. Our forces amounted to more than three thou- 
sand men, but only one hundred and twenty were 
regulars; and, owing to the want of space to form them, 
the number actually engaged scarcely exceeded that of 
the enemy, or seventeen hundred. 

(ycneral Harrison then formed his troops in order 
of battle, assisted by his acting adjutant Captain Butler, 
General Cass, and by Captain Perry whose services 
throughout the campaign were active rather than hon- 
(►rary. He placed (General Trotter's brigade in the front 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 185 

line, with his right upon the road, and his left upon the 
swamp, and General Desha's division, consisting of two 
brigades, was formed in an irregular, or zig-zag, line 
backward of him on his left. General King's brigade 
formed a second line, one hundred and fifty yards back 
of Trotter's, while Chile's brigade was held as a reserve 
corps in the rear. These forces numbered about fifteen 
hundred men. The crotchet formed by Desha's division 
was filled by the fighting Kentuckians, under the vener- 
able Governor Shelby, while the space between the road 
and the river was occupied by the regulars, in columns of 
fours, placed there for the purpose of seizing the enemy's 
artillery. Under the bank were ten or twelve friendly 
Indians to pick off the gunners, as chance offered. 

It had been the intention to have the mounted rifle- 
men under Colonel Johnson meet the Indians and, when 
the infantry had advanced to take a position on the left, 
to endeavor to turn their right. But it was soon per- 
ceived that, owing to the thickness of the wood and the 
swampiness of the ground, it would be impossible for 
the horsemen to advance in that quarter, as they would 
be subjected to certain destruction. After the line had 
been formed there was no time to dismount the horse- 
men, and a most novel measure was decided upon, which 
quickly resulted in a signal success. It was known that 
these hardy backwoodsmen rode better in the woods than 
other horsemen, and a musket or rifle was no impedi- 
ment to them, as they were accustomed to carry arms 
from their early youth, A charge was therefore deter- 
mined on at the beginning of the battle, when the enemy 
would most likely be surprised, and the least prepared 
to meet it. The mounted riflemen were then drawn up 
in close column, with their right at a distance of fifty 
yards from the road, that they might, in some measure, 
be protected by the trees from the artillery fire, and 
their left upon the swamp. 



i86 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

In this judiciously arranged order the army ad- 
vanced on the enemy's line. A moment or two sufficed 
to bring them into yiew, when firing began on both the 
left and the right, and, as the head of the column 
swung into the road, the artillery opened upon them. 
The mounted riflemen then in front received the full 
force of the British fire. At first the horses took fright 
and recoiled, and on the right of the line the horsemen 
were momentarily thrown into confusion. But just at 
that instant a strong, clear voice rang out : ''Now, men, 
up and at them before they can get in another broad- 
side!" Ah I there was no mistaking that summons. 
Well the intrepid horsemen knew tlie cheering voice of 
the gallant sailor on horseback, for they had heard its 
ringing challenge at the ford of the Thames, and will- 
ingly responded to its call. Imbued with a fighting 
spirit, the heroic Perry had for a moment left Harri- 
son's Side; his quick eye had taken in the situation on 
the right, and he had dashed in among the confused 
horsemen to rally them to the charge. At this supreme 
test of courage they again responded to his call, for 
they dashed full speed for the enemy's line. 

Across the open the British were shrouded in their 
own smoke, and, being intent on maintaining a furious 
fire, they little realized their danger. They did not 
hear the spirited order to charge, nor did they see the 
gallant band of horsemen galloping across the field, 
which a moment after was to burst through them. It 
was all done so (juickly. In less than two minutes the 
fighting Kentuckians had swept through their line, had 
turned about and fired volleys from their rear, and de- 
cided the contest in front. The British officers seeing 
little ho])e of bringing their disordered ranks to a 
semblance of order, immediately surrendered. Strange 
as it may seem, not a single American was killed, and 
only three were wounded. While this was transpiring 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 187 

the regulars, and few Indians coming up under cover of 
tlie bank, captured the enemy's artillery. 

Upon the American left the hostile Indians ranged 
along the swamp and under cover of trees, were keeping 
up the fight with more obstinacy. Colonel Johnson, 
who had command in front of them, received a most 
galling fire, but his mounted riflemen returned it with 
gTeat effect. Some of the Indians at the extreme left had 
advanced and fallen in with the front line of American 
infantry, and for a moment made an impression upon 
it. But the valiant Shelby, who was stationed near, 
and who, as General Harrison wrote, "at the age of 
sixty-six preserved all the vigor of youth, the ardent 
zeal which distinguished him in the revolutionary war, 
and the undaunted bravery which he had manifested at 
King's Mountain," brought up a regiment and checked 
the onset of the Indians. Colonel Johnson, at this 
moment, wheeled with a part of his regiment, gained 
the rear of the Indians, and drove them away with great 
slaughter. In this last charge he came in personal con- 
tact with Tecumseh, and, although wounded five times, 
he brought the savage chieftain to the ground mortally 
wounded with a pistol shot, just at the instant that his 
foe was about to launch his bloody tomahawk with 
deadly aim at him. Further resistance then being use- 
less was brought to an end, and with it ceased the 
effusion of blood. The terrible scenes of murder and 
scalping of the Miami and the River Raisin were not 
re-enacted by the Americans upon their helpless foes; 
and the heroic Kentuckians, who had been stigmatized 
by the British as worse in warfare than savages, re- 
membered the merciful caution of their commander-in- 
chief, "the revenge of a soldier cannot be gratified on a 
fallen enemy." 

In the rush and confusion of the enemy's retreat. 
General Procter, with a party of forty dragoons and a 
few mounted Indians, made off at full speed of their 



i88 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

horses and escaped. As soon as this was discovered, 
3Iajor Chambers, with a few officers and mounted rifle- 
men, started in pursuit, ^yhile they made many 
prisoners among the straggling remnants of the British 
army, they were unable to overtake the runaway Procter, 
The fruits, liowever, of this decisive victory were com- 
plete. The losses to the British in killed and wounded 
were thirty-four, in addition to thirty-three Indians, in- 
eluding their cliief, Tocumseh, found dead on the field; 
and six hundred and twenty-six regular troops, includ- 
ing officers, were made prisoners. A large quantity of 
military stores was taken, in whicli was found a train 
of brass cannon, three of which had been captured from 
the British at Yorktown and Saratoga, in the revolu- 
tionary war, and surrendered by General Hull at De- 
troit. The American losses in killed and wounded were 
only twenty-nine. 

Probably the most important result of the victory 
was the separation of the savage allies of England from 
her unjust cause, and the immediate relief of our fron- 
tier from the liorrors by which it had so long been 
desolated. The death of Tecumseh was an effective 
check to the fighting spirit of the hostile Indians, who 
at once made peace with their former foes. There have 
been few instances recorded wliere such cool and steady 
intrepidity of the militia, or otlier volunteer forces, was 
displayed as in the battle of the Thames. The whole 
action, and the movements of the army which preceded 
it, afford brilliant testimony of the calm judgment of 
General Harrison; and all the events of the campaign 
reflect his superior ability and generalship. In his 
official report he wrote in the highest terms of praise of 
his officers and troops. He mentioned Colonel Johnson 
as being engaged where the contest raged with tlie 
greatest severity, his valor having been emphasized by 
numerous wounds. Of the venerable Shelby, he wrote: 
*'l am at a loss how to nu^ntion the services of Governor 



FOLLOWING UP THE CAMPAIGN 189 

Shelby, being convinced that no eulogium of mine, can 
reach his merit. The governor of an independent state, 
greatly my superior in years, in experience, and in mili- 
tary character, he placed himself under my command, 
and was not more remarkable for his zeal and activity, 
than for the promptitude with which he obeyed my 
orders." Of the hero of Erie, he had this to say : "My 
gallant friend, Commodore Perry, accompanied me at 
the head of the army and assisted me in forming the 
line of battle; and the appearance of the brave commo- 
dore cheered and animated every breast." 



CHAPTER XI 
Reaping the Rewards of Victory 

HAVING secured the prisoners and recovered much 
property abandoned by the enemy, Captain 
Perry, on the seventh of October, returned with 
Ins transports to Detroit. The army, meanwhile, had 
taken up the return march by easy stages, and arrived a 
few days after. All armed resistance having ceased. 
General Harrison and Captain Perry, on the sixteenth, 
issued a joint proclamation, dated at Sandwich, directed 
to the people of Upper Canada inhabiting the district 
between the lower lakes and Lake St. Clair and Georgian 
Bay. This interesting document stated that the com- 
bined land and naval forces under their command, hav- 
ing captured and destroyed those of the British in 
Upper Canada, and the said district being in quiet 
possession of the American army, it became necessary 
to provide for the government thereof, which could only 
be done under the authority of the United States. The 
laws of the province, and the rights and privileges of 
the inhabitants, were recognized; and protection was 
guaranteed to tlieir persons and property. All magis- 
trates and other civil officers were directed to resume 
the exercise of their functions, upon taking the oath of 
allegiance to the United States, so long as this section 
of the province should remain in their possession. The 
authority of militia commission was suspended, and all 
officers were required to give their parole to the officer 
appointed to administer the government. 

The operations of the naval and military campaigns 
had followed one another in such rapid succession, and 

190 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 191 

the enemy had been so quickly vanquished, that there 
was some delay at Detroit in getting instructions from 
the governmental departments as to the disposition to 
be made of the fleet and army. During the interval of 
waiting Captain Perry learned of the glory which his 
brilliant victory had won for him. The newspapers 
pouring in from the east and south were full of eulogy 
and applause of his character; and made him first 
aware of the vast importance that was attached to his 
glorious achievement. He was everywhere hailed as 
the first American victor in a general naval engagement 
with a powerful foe which, for centuries, had been 
accustomed to conquer. The peculiar circumstances of 
the desperate and bloody battle, attended by such dar- 
ing and skill in retrieving the day, when so nearly lost, 
rendered the victory eminently his own. They were in- 
delibly impressed upon the popular imagination, and 
created a fervor of enthusiasm in his behalf, which 
spread quickly over the whole country, uniting all 
parties, in one glowing wave of admiration. 

The government, too, came under the spell of the 
overwhelming victory, and the secretary of the navy 
wrote to Perry acknowledging the brilliancy of the en- 
gagement. The letter, found in the collection of the 
captain's letters from the navy department, is as follows : 

"Navy Department, September 21, 1813. 

Sir: 

Rumor had preceded and prepared the public mind 
for the enthusiastic reception of the glorious tidings 
confirmed by your letter of the tenth, received and pub- 
lished in handbills this day. 

"Every demonstration of joy and admiration that 
a victory so transcendantly brilliant, decisive, and im- 
portant in its consequences could excite, was exhibited 
as far and as fast as the roar of cannon and the splendor 
of illumination could travel. 



192 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

''In tlio iibsence of the president, T have no hesita- 
tion in anticipating liis warmest admiration and thanks, 
in behalf of our country, for this splendid achievement, 
which must ever continue among the brightest honors 
of the nation. You will please accept for yourself an 
ample share, and communicate to the gallant officers, 
seamen, and others under your command, the full 
measure of those sentiments and feelings which it is my 
duty to express and my delight to cherish. 

"Tomorrow, I trust, will bring the interesting de- 
tails, for which many hearts are palpitating between the 
laurel and the cypress. 

"I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

W. Jones. 
Oliver H. Perry, Esq.^ 

Commanding U. S. naval forces of Lake Erie.'' 

The letters from Perry's own family, containing 
their earnest congratulations and thankfulness that he 
had escaped the j)erils of the battle, were not the least 
acceptable of the praise and adulation showered upon 
him. One letter in particular affected him deeply. 
The news of the victory reached his grandfather, Free- 
man Perry, at the mature age of eighty-three, on his 
death bed. As the first brief announcement of the 
glorious event was read to him, he exulted in the 
achievement of his descendant ; and the reliance that 
he had placed on a superior power, instead of on his 
own might, evinced in the words of the memorable dis- 
patch, gratified him even to tears. In his dying 
moments, he caused it to be read over to him several 
times; and the words "It has pleased the Almighty" 
lingered on his lips with his last breath, mingled with 
blessings on his children. 

At this time Captain Perry received two other 
letters from the secretary of the navy. The first ap- 
proved of his disposition of the prizes, and granted 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 193 

through the commissary-general of prisoners the re- 
quested authority to parole Captain Barclay, and ex- 
pressed his desire to extend to the wounded every in- 
dulgence consistent with their safe keeping. To this 
Perry replied in terms which showed how strong an 
interest he took in befriending the wounded prisoners. 
The other letter communicated the president's approba- 
tion of his conduct in battle, and stated that the presi- 
dent had directed a commission to be made out, pro- 
moting him to the rank of post-captain, to be effective 
from the day of his victory. Although the heroic 
captain was within one of being at the head of the list 
of masters-commandant, and had nobly acquiesced in 
the advancement of Lieutenant Morris over his head, 
the year before, he now scrupled, in his own case, to re- 
ceive promotion over a single officer. In his reply, he 
expressed to the secretary his wish that, if there should 
be any doubts as to the propriety of his advancement, 
his commission might be kept back until he should be 
entitled to it by seniority, without passing over the only 
officer of his grade above him. 

The letter which announced his promotion granted 
him leave, w^hich he had requested, to return to his home 
in Newport, and he was directed to leave as soon as 
affairs on the lake were in such condition that the 
service would not suffer by his absence. Upon his re- 
turn he was to resume his command of the Newport 
station, until a suitable ship should be provided for 
him. General Harrison had received orders, meanwhile, 
to repair with a part of his army to Fort George ; and, 
as no service of importance remained for them to per- 
form on the upper lake, two thousand of the troops were 
therefore embarked on board the fleet. General Harri- 
son, with part of his staff, sailed with Perry in the 
Ariel; and at Put-in Bay, the victorious captain had 
the pleasure of announcing to the wounded Barclay 
that he was empowered to parole him. He received him, 



194 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

therefore, with his surgeon, on board the Ariel, to carry 
him as far as Buffalo on his way homeward. The other 
British prisoners left the Bay a few days after for Erie, 
where they were carefully attended until entirely re- 
covered. They were afterward removed to Pittsburg 
for their greater security. 

The Aiicl, with the party of gallant fighters on 
board, arrived at Erie about noon of the twenty-second ; 
and the officers immediately landed. Coming into the 
harbor in his little schooner, unattended by the fleet 
which arrived later in the day, Captain Perry had hoped 
to reach his lodgings at the tavern unperceived with 
his wounded friend. Captain Barclay needed rest and 
quiet after the passage from Put-in Bay; and the tur- 
moil of an enthusiastic reception of the victor. Perry 
well knew, would be particularly painful to him, by 
reminding him of tlie triumph, which but a short time 
before he had hoped would be his own. But in this 
generous hope the victor was disappointed. The vil- 
lagers of Erie, who for weeks had waited impatiently 
to do honor to him who had delivered the western fron- 
tier from savage warfare, had spied the Ariel in the 
offing, and quickly prepared to receive the heroic cap- 
tain, with the enthusiasm which his victory had awak- 
ened in them. 

Months before they had beheld his anxious and ap- 
parently hopeless efforts to create an effective fleet; 
they had witnessed the manifold difficulties which ob- 
structed him ; they had noted with alarm the perpetual 
danger of destruction by the enemy ; and above all, they 
had marvelled at his steady perseverance and mental 
resources, by which every obstacle was surmounted as it 
arose. When at length he had launched his vessels in 
the bay, and by herculean efforts crossed the bar, they 
had realized the greatness of the man, and presaged his 
success. And now that he was returning to them, hav- 
ing won a glorious victory over a superior force, and 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 195 

afterward assisted in the triumph over the British army, 
they received him with a salute of guns, and met him 
on the beach with exultant and prolonged acclamations 
of joy. They formed a triumphant procession to escort 
him to his lodgings ; and all were much affected by the 
spectacle of the wounded Barclay, with feeble and 
tottering steps, being supported between Harrison and 
Perry. 

That evening the Village of Erie was all aglow with 
patriotic celebration. Every house that had a window 
was brilliantly illuminated by candle dips, and the 
streets were ablaze with huge bonfires. The people 
paraded with transparences descriptive of the battles 
by sea and land, and the names of Perry and Harrison 
were everywhere emblazoned with the dates on which 
they had been fought. The memorable words, "We 
have met the enemy and they are ours," were most 
prominently displayed, and shouted by hundreds as the 
name of Perry was mentioned. He was welcomed per- 
sonally by many in the little tavern, and called upon 
to narrate the principal scenes of battle. To all the 
villagers he was the same courteous, kind-hearted friend 
they had known in months past, and with all the added 
honors due to the victor, he manifested the same un- 
ruffled composure and quiet dignity of his office. 

The Niagara, with the other vessels of the fleet, had 
arrived off the bar late in the afternoon; and Com- 
mander Elliott had reported himself to his superior 
officer by letter, saying that he was much indisposed, 
and would have to go on shore to sick-quarters. Im- 
agine, therefore, his chagrin and anger when, upon land- 
ing, he found the populace showering honors on his 
seniors, and himself wholly neglected. His name 
figured on no transparences, his sayings formed no 
watchwords, his name called forth no exultant cheers, 
and he was in no way noticed by the people intent upon 



196 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

doing honor to the victors. He had noticed in the papers 
that the credit for the victory, which had excited such 
joy throughout the country, was ascribed w^holly to "the 
gallant Commodore Perry"; and this outward evidence 
of popular approval filled him with discontent and 
rancorous feelings toward his superior, whose brave 
deeds, to counteract his own treachery, had thrown him 
into such obscurity. 

While in this state of mind he was prey to notions 
of fancied wrongs from Captain Perry, and his disap- 
pointed hopes for fame led him to venomous efforts to 
disparage the too generous chief who had saved him 
from reprobation. The month before, during the cruise 
up the Thames, this feeling had first dominated him, 
and to Stephen Champlin upon whose vessel, the 
Scorpion^ he had his quarters, he commenced his com- 
plaints, coupled with abuse of Perry, He even stated 
"that the officers and men of the Laivrence, including 
the commodore, were by no means entitled to prize- 
money for her, she being a recaptured vessel." But 
upon being pressed for a reason for his dereliction of 
duty in keeping out of the action, he replied that, "he 
had no signal from the commodore to change his posi- 
tion." He afterward admitted that "in the action he 
was so far from the enemy that he only fired his twelve- 
pounders during two hours and a half." The brave 
Champlin indignantly objected to such complaints from 
one whose abandonment of the Laicrence had tempor- 
arily compelled her officers to strike their colors; and 
replied with some warmth, "I know not who is entitled 
to prize-money for the victory if the commodore is not." 
"For myself," he added, "I would scorn to receive a 
penny if Commodore Perry is not a sharer in the distri- 
bution." Irritated by this loyalty to his superior, and 
opposition to his own course. Commander Elliott un- 
warily expressed a sentiment which some historians be- 
lieve might serve as a clew to the mystery of his whole 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 197 

conduct in battle. For, as a climax to his complaints of 
the injustice to him in the commander's account of the 
battle, he said to Mr. Champlin that ^^he only regretted 
that he hnd iiot sacrificed the fleet lohew it was in his 
poicer to have done so." 

So, on this occasion, almost before the plaudits of 
the people had died away, Elliott addressed to General 
Harrison the complaints and self eulogy that he had 
hitherto confined to humbler listeners. He now claimed 
that he had been in close action during the whole fight, 
and that his officers would prove it. He objected to 
the official report which, he claimed misled the public, 
so that, instead of obtaining credit for one-half of the 
victory, which he believed was his due, he had been 
calumniated by false rumors, w^hich, he said. Captain 
Perry had done nothing to counteract. Because of an 
old friendship between the father of Elliott and the 
general, the latter was induced to state to Captain Perry 
the substance of Elliott's complaint, and arranged for 
an interview between them on the following morning. 
While insisting on the absolute verity of his report, 
Perry generously consented to an arbitration between 
two officers, one of which was to be selected by Elliott 
himself. It was agreed that if the arbitrators should 
decide that the report did injustice to Elliott, Captain 
Perry should write a letter to the secretary of the navy, 
correcting whatever they should consider erroneous. 
This letter, furthermore, was to be published for the 
benefit of Commander Elliott. The arbitrators chosen 
were Lieutenant Daniel Turner, who commanded the 
Caledoma- in the thickest of the battle, and Lieutenant 
J. J. Edwards, of the Niagara. These competent 
officers, after considering that part of the official re- 
port relating to the time at which the Niagara came 
into close action, namely, at half past two, were both 
of the opinion, which they freely expressed to General 



198 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

Harrison, that the report was correct. Captain Perry 
therefore wrote to Commander Elliott that he would 
decline making any alteration in his official report. 

On the twenty-fourth of October, Captain Perry, 
accompanied by General Harrison and Captain Bar- 
clay, arrived at Buffalo, where he turned over the com- 
mand of the fleet to Commander Elliott, There he 
separated from General Harrison, who proceeded with 
his troops to Fort George; and also from his wounded 
prisoner, who returned to Canada on the parole which 
his former adversary in battle had procured for him, 
and with an ample loan to defray his personal expenses. 
Before leaving Buffalo, however, the gallant Barclay 
wrote to his brother in England relative to the state of 
his health, and expressed the hope of soon reaching 
home. According to regulations this letter was ex- 
amined by the United States marshal at Boston, be- 
fore releasing it to the foreign mail; and afterward 
a copy of it was sent to Mrs. Perry, in order that she 
might know the way in which her husband was spoken 
of by his vanquished foe. The closing paragraph of 
this letter was as follows: "The treatment I have re- 
ceived from Captain Perry has been noble indeed. It 
can be equaled only bj- his bravery and intrepidity 
in action. Since the battle he has been like a brother 
to me. He has obtained for me an unconditional parole. 
I mean to make use of it to go to England as soon as 
my wound will permit." He showed his appreciation 
upon taking leave of Perry by presenting him with his 
sextant, as a memento of his regard; and a few months 
after Perry sent to Barclay a highly-finished rifle, which 
he had made expressly for him by a celebrated gun- 
smith of Albany. 

Following the course of Captain Perry on this 
triumphant journey homeward, we find him everywhere 
welcomed by the inhabitants and proclaimed as the de- 
liverer of the western frontier. In the villages through 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 199 

which he passed, all business was suspended, workmen 
left their tools and pressed forward to receive him ; the 
schools were dismissed, while the master and scholars 
hurried forth to get a glimpse of the young hero of Erie. 
Wherever he passed the night, illuminations, parades, 
and rude but hearty hospitality, scarcely less enthus- 
iastic than the reception at Erie, conveyed to him the 
gratitude of the people. His party was composed of 
Sailing-master Taylor, of the Lawrence; his young 
brother, James Alexander; the members of his boat's 
crew; and a revolutionary war flfer, Cyrus Tiffany by 
name, who, having ready wit at will, was a source of 
great amusement to the sailors. These officers and men 
were later attached to Perry's old command at Newport, 
whence the whole crew of the Lawrence soon after 
followed. 

As Perry and his faithful followers approached the 
larger towns, his reception became more imposing ; and, 
when they were not too far from each other, deputa- 
tions escorted him from place to place. At Utica a 
sumptuous public dinner was given in his honor, and he 
was presented with a complimentary address by the 
citizens. From Schenectady a numerous concourse 
accompanied him along the road to Albany. At Dow's 
tavern, on the morning of the eighth of November, he 
was met by a large assemblage of citizens, mounted and 
in carriages, who, with the mayor, the recorder, and 
common council, greeted him with hearty and enthus- 
iastic cheers. A procession was then formed and he was 
escorted to the city by a corps of volunteer cavalry. As 
he entered the western precincts of Albany a federal 
salute was fired, and the military companies, which had 
assembled for the purpose, formed in front, and pro- 
ceeded with the escort to the capitol, when, the military 
opening on each side, the procession entered the council- 
hall. The mayor, in behalf of the council and city then 
presented him with the freedom of the city in a gold 



200 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

box, and with a costly sword, which had been properly 
inscribed for the occasion. To the presentation speech, 
Captain Perry replied in these becoming words: "The 
honor done me this day by the common council of the 
City of Albany will ever be recollected with gratitude 
and pleasure. To merit the approbation of my country 
is the dearest wish of my heart. Should I ever be called 
again to meet the enemy, I shall bear in mind that I 
am a citizen of Albany, and that I wear a sword, given 
me under a pledge never to draw it but in defence of 
our country's rights, honor, and independence." 

This impressive ceremony being concluded, the pro- 
cession accompanied him through the principal streets 
to his lodging at the Eagle tavern, where he alighted 
amid the loud and prolonged acclamations of the people. 
In the evening a grand ball and reception was tendered 
him, which gave the ladies an opportunity of meeting 
the youthful hero, and for him to know of the admira- 
tion and esteem in which they held him. It was a 
matter of wonderment to all that the individual who had 
been so terrible to his enemies on the deck of the Laic- 
rence and the Niagara, should on this occasion be only 
distinguished by the courteous grace and kindly dignity 
of his demeanor. The next day the honors were con- 
tinued, and he was entertained at dinner by the council, 
the governor, the secretary of war, the principal officers 
of state, and the citizens. During the festivities Perry 
gave as a toast the prosperity of the City of Albany. 
When he had withdrawn, among the complimentary 
toasts in his honor, was this: "Father Neptune's 
settlement on his son Perry; Lake Erie in possession, 
the Ocean in remainder." It was worthy of the hospi- 
tality of the people that his brother, James Alexander 
Perry, though but a mere lad, was not forgotten and, 
when called upon, responded, like a true young sailor, 
that "he was thankful for the good cheer which so 
pleasantly replaced the scant provender of the march." 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 2or 

Thus the hero of Erie, the idol of the people, yielded 
two days of time — which as he neared his home be- 
came more precious to him — to the hospitable atten- 
tions of a generous people. But everywhere, as he con- 
tinued his journey to Newport, he received the same en- 
thusiastic greeting, in manner and extent gauged only 
by the size of the place and the means of the inhabitants. 
The universal feeling was a blended one of respect, ad- 
miration, and gratified national pride. His reception 
at Providence, as reported by a local paper, bears wit- 
ness to the prevailing enthusiasm: "Yesterday morn- 
ing our fellow-citizen, Oliver H. Perry, arrived in town 
from the westward. The flag of the Union was dis- 
played, the bells were rung, and a federal salute was 
fired by the united train of artillery, to welcome the 
hero's return to his native state. The extreme modest 
but affable deportment of this popular young hero wins 
irresistibly upon the affections, and commands the re- 
spect of all who approach him. And, however we may 
differ with respect to the cause in w^hich his talents are 
employed, wherever valor and humanity, ability and 
modesty, are so happily blended as in Commodore Perry, 
adorning himself and his country, they justly receive the 
meed of universal praise." 

At length on the afternoon of the eighteenth of No- 
vember, Captain Perry and his little band of patriots 
approached their home town. In anticipation of their 
coming the public buildings and many store houses had 
been gayly decorated, and the shipping in the harbor 
had been dressed with national and emblematic flags. 
All business for the time was forgotten as the towns- 
men went forth en masse to receive their fellow-citizens, 
who, like the heroes of Rome, in the proudest days of 
her history, having vanquished their foes, were now re- 
turning from the toils of war. In days gone by the 
people had been well acquainted with Perry, as a man, 
and now, upon his return, they were filled with raptur- 



202 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

oils joy on beholding: the hero. As he entered the out- 
skirts of the town, bells were rung, and salutes were 
fired from Fort Wolcott, the flotilla of gunboats, and a 
revenue cutter; and, with loud acclamations he was 
escorted to his own home. For the moment all sense of 
honors and distinctions conferred upon him were lost 
in the claims of his family, as he burst in on them, after 
an absence of nine months of anxiety, peril and toilsome 
exertions. 

The public approbation and attachment, the intoxi- 
cating effects of which might haye turned many an 
older head, seem not to haye atfected his quiet and un- 
assuming manner, nor interfered with his family ties 
which he considered sacred. He was devoted in his 
affections, thoroughly domestic in his habits, while the 
joys and endearments of home, presided over by a beau- 
tiful and accomplished wife and mother, formed a bond 
for which patriotism and duty alone could temporarily 
disengage. He had, too, become a second time a father, 
and he noted with pleasure the sturdy appearance of his 
older boy, then not quite two years old. His happiness 
at this time is briefly and strongly expressed in a letter 
to his friend, Samuel Hambleton, whom he had left 
wounded at Erie. 

''I am satisfied you will not require an apology for 
my not answering your letters sooner, when you recol- 
lect that I have had the supreme pleasure of enjoying 
the society of my beloved family and my excellent 
friends in Newport. I found, on arrival, another noble 
boy, and Mrs. Perry in excellent health; my older boy 
has grown finely, and is, in my opinion, very promising. 
Many of your friends have made the most particular in- 
quiries after you. They will rejoice if you again come 
to this place. I need not assure you how much it would 
add to my plea.sure and happiness to have so esteemed a 
friend with me." 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 203 

The command of the naval station at Newport, 
w^hich Captain Perry had at once assumed, gave him 
every opportunity for enjoyment of his home and family. 
His duties were not arduous, the chief employment of 
the flotilla under his orders consisting of protecting the 
coast trade and resisting encroachment of the blockad- 
ing forces of the enemy, the performance of which was 
faithfully executed. The house in which he lived was 
a well-built mansion that stood on the south side of 
Washington Square, a few doors from Thames Street. 
It was a spacious, square building, of architecture of 
the revolutionary war period, having been built by Mr. 
Levi, about 1770. To this house the young and ambi- 
tious naval officer had taken his bride, who was a 
daughter of Doctor Mason, of Newport; and where she 
lived until her death in February, 1858. 

Soon after Captain Perry's arrival at Newport be- 
came generally known throughout the East, complimen- 
tary acknowledgments, by which a grateful people 
sought to evince their sense of his notable services, be- 
gan pouring in upon him from all quarters. All the 
principal cities, through their common councils, ad- 
dressed to him their compliments accompanied with in- 
vitations to public dinners; and some municipalities 
tendered the services of volunteer companies of troops 
to act as his escort. The council of the City of New 
York expressed by a series of resolutions, its sense of 
his distinguished services, and of his officers and men, 
and extended to him the freedom of the city, with the 
request that he would sit for his portrait, to be placed 
in their gallery. These resolutions were properly con- 
veyed to Perry in a letter written by Dewitt Clinton, 
then mayor of New York. Captain Perry willingly con- 
sented to comply with the honorable request, with the 
result that posterity has the masterly portrait, by Jarvis, 
which depicts him in the act of boarding the Niagara. 



204 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

While thus engrossed with the pleasures of home 
life and the duties of his station, the Congress of the 
United States took a more practical recognition of his 
past services on the lakes, and granted substantial re- 
wards to him and all others who were actively engaged 
in the battle of Lake Erie. By joint resolution the 
thanks of Congress were "presented to Captain Oliver 
H. Perry, and through him to the officers, petty officers, 
seamen, marines, and infantry, attached to the squadron 
under his command, for the decisive and glorious victory 
gained on the tenth of September, 1813, over the British 
squadron of superior force," The President of the 
United States was therefore requested to cause gold 
medals to be struck, emblematical of the action between 
the two squadrons, and to present them to Captain 
Perry and Commander Elliott, in such manner as would 
be most honorable to them. He was also requested to 
present silver medals, with suitable emblems and de- 
vices, to the commissioned officers of the navy and army, 
serving on board the fleet, and swords to the sailing- 
masters and midshipmen, who so nobly distinguished 
themselves on that memorable day. The brave officers 
who had fallen in battle were not forgotten, as silver 
medals were presented to the nearest male relatives of 
Lieutenant John Brooks, captain of marines, of Mid- 
shipmen Henry Laub, and John Clark, "with the deep 
regret which Congress feels for the loss of these gallant 
men, whose names ought to live in the recollection and 
affection of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought 
to be regarded as an example to future generations." 
As an additional testimonial, three month's pay, exclu- 
sively of the common allowance for living, was granted 
to all the petty officers, seamen, marines, and infantry, 
serving as such, "who so gloriously supported the honor 
of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant 
commander, on that signal occasion." 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 205 

The vessels of the captured fleet having been offi- 
cially measured and their value determined, the prize 
money to which the officers and men of the victorious 
fleet were entitled, was provided by an act authorizing 
the president to purchase the vessels captured on Lake 
Erie, on the tenth of September, for two hundred and 
fifty-five thousand dollars. This sum, which was paid 
out of money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
was distributed to the captors, or their heirs, by an 
equitable division. Commodore Chauncey, as com- 
mander-in-chief of the naval forces on the lakes, received 
twelve thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars; Cap- 
tain Perry and Commander Elliott, each received seven 
thousand one hundred and forty dollars; while each 
commander of gunboats, sailing-masters, and lieuten- 
ants of marines, received two thousand two hundred and 
ninety-five dollars. The midshipmen each received 
eight hundred and eleven dollars; the petty officers 
four hundred and forty-seven dollars, and the sailors 
and marines two hundred and nine dollars each. 

There was some discussion as to the propriety of 
Commodore Chauncey accepting the amount of prize 
money awarded him, on the ground that he was not 
present during the naval campaign on Lake Erie, and 
did not share in the dangers and perils of that trying 
period. But it must be remembered that the secretary 
of the navy had made the tactical error of leaving the 
superior command of the forces on Lake Erie, after the 
actual command had been assumed by the more capable 
and resourceful Perry, in his hands. Under the regu- 
lations of the service Chauncey was entitled to prize 
money for the captured vessels, even though he was 
hundreds of miles distant from the scene of battle on 
that eventful day, and his dereliction in regard to with- 
holding the best seamen sent him, threw the balance of 
power in favor of the enemy. Captain Perry, as second 
in command, thus received a much smaller sum, and to 



2o6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

equalize the amounts thus paid, and to establish justice 
to the hero of Erie, the Congress appropriated an addi- 
tional five thousand dollars to be presented to him. 
There was a peculiar ])ropriety in this special grant, 
for, even with this liberality of Congress, Perry's com- 
pensation fell far below that of other officers similarly 
situated. Roth Commodore Chauncey and Commodore 
M'Douough had rich emolument through the agencies 
for the construction and equipment of their squadrons, 
which it is said produced large fortunes. But Captain 
Perry, believing it impossible to do full justice to this 
and the more important duties of his station, volun- 
tarily gave up his agency with the opportunity of gain- 
ing a like fortune. To him belongs the merit of having 
given his whole heart to his country, and his undivided 
attention and talents to the manifold and arduous duties 
of his station. 

Early in January, 1814, a favorable moment having 
arrived to get a number of his officers advanced, a de- 
sire which he had long entertained. Captain Perry left 
Newport for the seat of government ; and stopped on the 
way at the intermediate cities which had sent him such 
earnest invitations to enjoy their hospitality. He 
arrived in New York on the sixth, and was received that 
night at a public ball in commemoration of the victories 
on the western frontier. As he entered the hall, which 
was throngetl with the beauty and grace of the city, the 
ceremonies of the evening were suspended, nor were 
they resumed until the hero of those victories had been 
presented to all the ladies present. On the eleventh he 
was entertained at dinner at Tammany Hall, and, when 
called upon gave the toast, ''The Union of the States," 
a union which no other man had recently done so much 
to strengthen. This was regarded as an honorable evi- 
denee of his patriotic principles. He had already been 
presented with the freedom of the city in a gold box 
bearing on its top a beautiful picture, in enamel, of the 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 207 

battle of Lake Erie ; and was inducted into the Society 
of Cincinnati as an honorary member. 

Resuming his journey, Captain Perry passed 
through Trenton, where he received the thanks of the 
Legislature, which was then in session ; and everywhere 
met demonstrations of enthusiastic regard. Arriving 
at the Capitol he was received in a most cordial manner 
by President Madison, and ostensibly by all the members 
of the government. He was introduced to a seat on the 
floor of the Senate, an honor never conferred, except by 
vote, on any but members of Congress, judges of the 
supreme court, and foreign ministers. On the twenty- 
fifth he was entertained by the citizens of Washington, 
on which occasion the cabinet and many members of 
Congress were present. The secretary of the navy had 
promised to promote the officers of the fleet, and in 
particular W. V. Taylor of the Laivrence, who had been 
so useful in equipping his vessels; but he did not ful- 
fill it without some delay. This and the difficulty about 
giving a purser's commission to Thomas Breese, Perry's 
faithful secretary, in whom he had a special interest, 
occasioned him some annoyance; but he exerted his in- 
fluence with unceasing zeal until he had accomplished 
his object. 

At length, having fulfilled his mission at Washing- 
ton, Captain Perry, on the last day of January, turned 
homeward. He arrived at Baltimore before nightfall 
and was escorted to the Circus, where he found a throng 
of citizens waiting to do him honor. Without the 
spacious building and within they received him with 
"deep, loud, and continued acclamations." The atten- 
tions, however, which were bestowed upon him the 
following day in this patriotic city, were most gratify- 
ing. "He was' honored," says Mies' Register, "at a 
dinner which for bounteous profusion, elegance of style, 
judicious arrangements, and brilliancy and appropriate- 
ness of decorations, surpassed, it is believed, anything 



2o8 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

which has occurred in this country." The committee of 
arrangements comprised "two republicans, two federal- 
ists, four Americans'- and was another evidence that one 
of the happiest results of Perry's victory was the blend- 
ing of all Americans in sympathetic pride to promote 
the "Union of States." 

On the night of the succeeding day Perry was 
tendered a ball given in the name of the ladies of Balti- 
more. As they were most desirous of showing their re- 
spect and admiration of the hero who had done so much 
for the defense of their country, this entertainment was 
said to have rivalled in brilliancy that which had pre- 
ceded it. This brought the festivities of a hospitable 
city to a close, and Perry proceeded to Philadelphia. 
Among his papers are two invitations to dine from diff- 
erent committees, bearing dates of his passage through 
the city in going to and returning from Washington ; 
but the details of both functions are not to be found 
in the files of the local press of the time. It is known, 
however, that the city council had previously voted Cap- 
tain Perry their thanks, and had presented him with an 
elegant sword, of a style and character most acceptable 
to him. The State of Pennsylvania, moreover, had 
accompanied its public thanks with a gold medal bear- 
ing appropriate devices. 

Thus sensible of his country's approbation of his 
conduct and services, Captain Perry returned once more 
to the quiet repose and endearments of his home. But 
in his retirement, evidences of the universal admira- 
tion and esteem in which he was held by his countrymen, 
continued to pour in upon him. Not content with the 
tribute of respect already offered through their repre- 
sentatives in Congress, the legislatures of various and 
widely-remote states passed complimentary resolutions, 
copies of which were sent to him. Among these was 
one from the legislature of Massachusetts, a state which, 
through factional strife, had in a measure cast off the 



REWARDS OF VICTORY 209 

national spirit of independence, which characterized it 
during the revolution, and had fostered a spirit of oppo- 
sition to the war of 1812. But those who regarded the 
war as unjust as well as inexpedient, could not with- 
hold their admiration of the distinguished bravery and 
skill displayed in its prosecution on the western fron- 
tier. Thus, the full admiration and gratitude of his 
country, which "are the hero's best reward," were de- 
served and enjoyed by Oliver Hazard Perry, as by few 
victors in American history. 



CHAPTER XII 
Resuming Command on the Sea 

EARLY in May, 1814, Captain Perry was ordered to 
Boston to sit on a court of inquiry, a duty which 
occupied his attention for nearly a month. He 
was received witli military honors by the citizens of the 
old town, without distinction of parties, and invited to 
review the uniformed troops assembled in the Common, 
who honored him with a salute of guns. On the tenth 
he was publicly entertained at dinner, in testimony of 
admiration and gratitude for the brilliant victory on 
Lake Erie; and was escorted to the hall by the Boston 
light-infantry in full uniform. On this occasion some 
of the most prominent citizens who had arrayed them- 
selves in opposition to the war, seized the opportunity 
of evincing their sense of honor which this victory had 
added to the American arms. In reply to a toast which 
was highly complimentary, he gave this sentiment: 
''The town of Boston, the birthplace of American 
liberty ; from whence, should she ever leave the country, 
she will take her departure." Among other toasts given 
was one characterized by glowing patriotism : "The 
American Navy, youngest child of Neptune, but heir- 
apparent to glory," In the light of subsequent 
events and glorious achievements, this was singularly 
prophetic. 

As Mrs. Perry had many relatives and friends in 
Boston, she accompanied her distinguished husband on 
this errand of duty. During an interval of the court 
proceedings they visited Cambridge, and found all busi- 
ness of the memorable seat of learning suspended, and 

2IO 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 211 

the president and faculty waiting to receive them at the 
entrance of Harvard Hall, through which they were 
conducted with due dignity and honor. The captain 
was then invited to review the Harvard Washington 
Corps, composed wholly of students whom the president 
informed him had been "permitted to appear under 
arms, that they might gratify their desire of expressing 
the emotions with which they contemplated the character 
and actions of Commodore Perry." The court of in- 
quiry soon after terminated its sittings, when Captain 
Perry and his wife proceeded to Portsmouth upon in- 
vitation of Commodore and Mrs. Hull to visit them. 
After spending a few days very agreeably at that place 
they returned to Newport. There they discovered that 
the grateful feelings of the citizens of Boston had found 
further expression in the presentation of a service of 
plate, consisting of more than fifty pieces of real utility. 
On each piece was nicely engraved this inscription: 
"September 10th, 1813, signalized by our first triumph 
in squadron. A very superior British force on Lake 
Erie was entirely subdued by Commodore O. H. Perry, 
whose gallantry in action is equalled only by his human- 
ity in victory. Presented in honor of the victor by the 
citizens of Boston." Soon after a silver vase of elegant 
and chaste design was presented to him by his fellow- 
townsmen; and later the legislature of Rhode Island, 
through its committee appointed to recollect relics and 
historical material of the achievements on Lake Erie, 
invited him to sit for a portrait to be executed by 
Gilbert Stuart, the famous artist who was also a native 
of the state. 

Captain Perry had scarcely settled himself to the 
enjoyment of home when, on the thirtieth of May, a 
Swedish brig, in attempting to enter the harbor by the 
east passage, was driven ashore by the fire of the British 
man-of-war Nimrod. They had sent ofif the boats to 
take possession of the stranded vessel, when Perry 



212 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

quickly assembled on the beach a small party of seamen, 
belonging to the flotilla under his command, and a six- 
pounder gun. So skilfully was the gun served that the 
enemy was soon compelled to abandon their purpose and 
return to their ship. The next morning the Nimrod 
ran close in shore and opened such a galling fi^re on the 
brig that her crew was obliged to surrender her, where- 
upon the enemy immediately set her on fire. Meanwhile 
the militia of the town had collected on the beach with 
two twelve-pounders; and Perry had dispatched two 
gunboats around the northeast side of the island, and 
opened a fire on the man-of-war. Having accomplished 
their purpose, as they supposed, the enemy at once 
weighed anchor and stood out to sea. The fire in the 
brig was soon extinguished, when she was pulled off the 
bar and taken into the harbor. In these skirmishes 
one seaman was killed and several others of the gun 
crews were wounded. 

During the summer of 1814 the whole extent of our 
eastern coast was greatly harassed by the enemy, and 
many of the smaller unprotected ports suffered much 
from their predatory incursions, while some of the 
coasting craft which ventured out to sea were seized and 
destroyed. The range of coast at this time intrusted to 
the protection of Perry's flotilla extended from New 
London, through Buzzard's Bay, to Barnstable and 
Chatham. In the latter part of June the enemy made 
an attempt to destroy the town of Wiscasset, but, by 
the active exertions of Perry and the alacrity with 
which the inhabitants rallied to the encounter, they 
were repulsed. The town of Wareham, Massachusetts, 
was also attacked at about this time, and, having no 
means of defense, the public buildings were burned, and 
a vessel on the stocks, five others in the harbor, and a 
cotton mill, were likewise destroyed. The rights of 
private property were not respected, and the inhabitants 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 213 

were threatened with the sword if they offered the 
slightest resistance, or attempted to stay the flames. 

These depredations were increasing in frequency 
and violence when, in August, Captain Perry was 
ordered to the command of the frigate Java, of the first 
class, which was building at Baltimore. This man-of- 
war had recently been launched, and he proceeded at 
once to that place to supervise and hasten her equipment. 
While thus diligently occupied, the British made their 
destructive incursion up the Potomac with a formidable 
force, and captured Washington. The conflagration of 
the Capitol, the residence of the president, the public 
buildings and much of the national archives, followed, 
as almost the only resistance they met with was from a 
battery manned by the seamen of the flotilla under the 
command of Commodore Barney, who stood bravely at 
their guns, resolutely serving them until surrounded 
and captured. 

This unfortunate event, which occurred on the 
_^ twenty- fourth of August, w^as a severe blow to the 
nation ; and led Captain Perry, who always stood ready 
"to meet the enemies of his country" wherever they 
might appear, to hasten to Washington with a party of 
seamen selected from his command. There he joined 
Commodore Rodgers and Captain Porter, who had pro- 
ceeded on a like mission to the scene of danger with 
more troops and marines, in an effort to prevent the 
enemy from returning unmolested down the Potomac. 
With a battery, consisting of one eighteen and several 
six-pounders, brought up by the Georgetown and Wash- 
ington volunteers, he stationed his united forces at 
Indian Head, a few miles below Mount Vernon. After 
destroying the defenses of Alexandria and plundering 
the town, the enemy had met the forces of Rodgers and 
Porter in several sharp encounters, but without serious 
• loss. On the sixth of September they began their re- 
-^ treat with quantities of plunder, and in the afternoon 



314 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

reached Indian Head. There they met with a spirited 
fire from Perry's battery, which was kept up as long as 
their meagre supply of ammunition lasted. The cannon, 
however, with the exception of one eighteen-pounder, 
were of too small a calibre to make much impression 
on the enemy's vessels which returned a very heavy fire 
on them. After sustaining the enemy's fire for more 
than an hour, when the powder and shot was expended, 
the force retired a short distance under the protection 
of the bank, and the enemy soon disappeared down the 
riv^r. Perry's loss in this encounter was one man 
wounded. 

Fearing that the British, elated with their success 
on the Potomac, would make a similar attack on Balti- 
more with the ulterior motive of getting possession of 
or destroying the Java, Captain Perry returned im- 
mediately to that place, accompanied by Commodore 
Rodgers. He devoted himself particularly to the de- 
fense of his new command, and enrolled his mechanics 
in the militia for active service, keeping them almost 
constantly under arms. This was a wise precaution, 
for, on the morning of the eleventh, the enemy landed 
five thousand soldiers and four thousand marines and 
seamen from the fleet, at the mouth of the Patapsco. 
Advancing about four miles without meeting any oppo- 
sition, the enemy came up with a force of three thou- 
sand two hundred men, comprising General Strickler's 
brigade and several companies of volunteers from Penn- 
sylvania. Other troops which had been collected for 
the defense of the city, were stationed in the rear, and 
at the various entrenchments hastily thrown up. As 
the enemy advanced upon them early in the afternoon, 
the artillery opened a destructive fire wliich, with that 
of the infantry, was maintained with remarkable steadi- 
ness and effect for about an hour. On the enemy's 
attempting, however, to turn their flank, they retired in 
good order within their entrenchments. Measures were 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 215 

then taken by the intrepid defenders for a concerted 
assault on the enemy on the following morning, but 
before the plans could be put in execution, the British 
decamped and, under cover of darkness, made their way 
back to their ships. The attack on Fort M'Henry 
followed on the afternoon and night of the twelfth, but 
the enemy was repulsed with great loss. The destruc- 
tion on the enemy's vessels was terrible as, battered and 
crippled, they retired in precipitation, the darkness of 
the night and their ceasing to fire, alone preventing their 
annihilation. Their loss was supposed to have been 
seven or eight hundred men; while that of the Amer- 
icans was only twenty killed and one hundred and forty 
wounded and missing. 

The British forces, however, continued a rigid 
blockade of Chesapeake Bay, and Perry, with the Ja^a 
fully equipped and manned for sea service, saw little 
probability of being able to get out to carry on the im- 
portant mission then being planned. Two squadrons 
of fast sailing vessels were being fitted out to harass 
the enemy's commerce on their own coasts and in the 
Mediterranean, to one of which Perry had been assigned. 
To provide suitable vessels for this service, he was 
directed to build in Connecticut and Rhode Island three 
heavy brigs, each to carry an armament of fourteen 
thirty-two pounder carronades, and two long twelves, 
the model and whole equipment of which were intrusted 
to his judgment. Two other brigs of the same force 
were afterward to have been added to his "flying squad- 
ron." Before they could be made ready for sea, how- 
ever, on their cruise for the destruction of the enemy's 
commerce, peace was declared; and Perry returned to 
his command of the Java. His family had joined him 
in Baltimore, where they remained until February, 1815, 
when th^y returned to Newport. It was at this time 
that the Treaty of Ghent, signed on the twenty-fourth 



2i6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

of December, 1814, and which is still in force, was rati- 
fied by the senate and the president. 

During the Spring and Summer of 1815 Captain 
Perry continued in command of the Newport station, 
and supervised the equipment of the three brigs then 
fitting out at Warren, and at Middletown in Connect- 
icut. At the same time he had a certain control over 
the Java, in which it was intended he should ultimately 
be sent to sea. Many of her spars and much of the 
rigging, however, were found to be weak and imper- 
fect, a condition due to the dishonesty or neglect of the 
contractors. These parts had to be replaced and much 
other work done to put the frigate in proper trim for 
sea service. Preparatory to making a cruise to the 
Mediterranean, the Java proceeded to Newport, and re- 
mained in the harbor for several months. In the in- 
terval the captain gathered around him for his crew 
the ablest officers and the bravest of his men, who had 
fought so valiantly in the battle of Lake Erie, among 
whom was Doctor Parsons, the surgeon of the Lawrence. 

Upon the restoration of peace the government was 
free to take up its long-standing difficulties with Algiers, 
over the violations of the terms of the existing treaty 
with those piratical people. In order to negotiate a 
new treaty providing for "the absolute and unqualified 
relinquishment of any demand of tribute on the part 
of the Regency, on any pretense whatever," Commodore 
Decatur with a squadron, presenting a considerable 
show of force, had been sent in April to the Mediter- 
ranean. Having captured several Algerian cruisers and 
caused great loss to their navy, including the death of 
Admiral Hammida, who fell in action, Commodore 
Decatur appeai-ed off Algiers on the twenty-eighth of. 
June. By stern measures and threats of bombardment 
he finally compelled the dey to conclude a new treaty 
in which it was humanely stipulated, in addition to 
other important provisions, that, in the event of future 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 217 

hostilities, the citizens of the United States captured by 
Algerian cruisers should not be consigned to slavery, as 
had formerly been the barbarous practice, but that they 
should be treated as prisoners of war until exchanged. 
All differences having been satisfactorily adjusted, Cap- 
tain Lewis, in the Epervier, was dispatched with the 
treaty to the United States. 

This treaty having been duly ratified, the author- 
ized document was sent to Algiers by the frigate Java, 
under the command of her illustrious captain. On the 
twenty-first of January, 1816, Lieutenant Dulany For- 
rest, who it will be remembered, was the second officer 
on the Lawrence, arrived from Washington with the 
official papers, dispatches for our consul at Algiers, 
and orders for sailing. Everything was in readiness 
for the cruise, and on the following day, in a gale from 
the northwest, the Java sailed from Newport for a 
rapid passage across the Atlantic. After an exceedingly 
rough and boisterous voyage of twenty-one days, during 
which one seaman was washed overboard and drowned, 
and five others were killed by the falling of the 
main-topmast, which carried with it the main-topmast 
yard and mizzen-topgallant-mast, the Java arrived at 
Gibralter. Upon communicating with the shore with- 
out anchoring, they laid their course for Malaga and 
thence to Port Mahon, where they arrived on the seventh 
of March. There they joined the squadron under the 
command of Commodore Shaw, which in a few weeks 
sailed for Algiers, off which place it anchored on the 
eighth of April. 

Upon landing and getting an audience with the 
dey, the commodore found a very different state of 
affairs than had been expected. Instead of receiving 
the ratified treaty and accepting it in exchange for the 
unratified one, which had been left by Decatur, the 
dey made numerous objections, claiming that several 
articles had undergone some change. Although the 



2i8 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

documents were read and compared word for word and 
found identical in every respect, he made the prepos- 
terous claim tliat neither he nor his council could under- 
stand the provisions of the treaty, and returned it forth- 
with. His dissatisfaction with the treaty was un- 
doubtedly due to the demands of Great Britian and the 
consuls of other nations, who, jealous of the advantage 
gained by the United States, had done everything in 
their power to secure like concessions for themselves. 
As all negotiations were at an end, it was decided to 
make a warlike demonstration by attacking the Algerian 
navy, which lay moored within the Mole. Thereupon 
our consul struck his flag and retired on board the 
frigate United States. 

While active preparations were being made for the 
assault. Captain Perry was instructed by the commo- 
dore to land under a flag of truce and, if possible, secure 
a renewal of the negotiations. He therefore went on 
shore carrying the ratified treaty ajid, after a few 
moments' delay, was ushered into the presence of the 
dey. This official then stated that the United States 
had violated the treaty by not returning the brig and 
crew which had been captured by Decatur, but after- 
ward seized by the Spanish authorities, under the con- 
tention that she had been captured in watei's subject 
to their authority. To this claim Captain Perry ''gave 
a positive denial," explaining that the stipulation only 
required his country to relinquish all claim to the 
vessel, which they had done, and that the question of 
returning it was very properly left to the Spanish 
authorities. The negotiations, however, were conducted 
with such good feeling on both sides that they resulted 
in our ccmsul returning to the shore, the rehoisting of 
the American flag over the consulate, and the renewal 
of former relations, until new instructions should be re- 
ceived from the president of the United States. 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 219 

From Algiers the squadron was ordered to Tripoli 
on a peaceful mission, to see if our consul there was 
being treated with respect due to the American flag. 
Finding all quiet they proceeded to Syracuse, and thence 
to Messina and Palermo. At the latter place the com- 
modore learned that Tunis had lately assumed a war- 
like attitude towards our country, and that American 
merchants in Sicily felt some alarm for the safety of 
our commerce. The squadron thereupon made sail and 
in due course dropped anchor in the Bay of Tunis. This 
opportune visit, which began on the eighteenth of June, 
doubtless had much to do with re-establishing friendly 
relations with those people. From there the ships dis- 
persed in prosecution of separate orders, the Ja/oa pro- 
ceeding to Gibralter for supplies. At this port she fell 
in with the Washington, a full line-of-battle ship, fly- 
ing the broad pennant of Commodore Chauncey. Or- 
dinary duty brought Captain Perry and the commodore 
together on board the flagship, a meeting on terms of 
friendship, in which the late unpleasantness on the 
lakes was smoothed over and forgotten. Ever after 
they remained steadfast friends, and were of devoted 
service to each other. 

The Java, having completed repairs, was then in a 
high condition for service, and everywhere attracted 
attention as a trim and beautifully rigged ship. She 
accompanied the Washington on her mission to Naples, 
where the w^hole squadron soon after assembled. There 
were diplomatic difficulties with the shifting and time- 
serving government ; nevertheless, the new minister, Mr. 
Pinckney, who, with his family had been brought on 
the Washingtoii, landed under a salute of guns ; but he 
was soon plunged into the intricacies of the delicate 
situation. To add to the unrest of the moment there 
were internal troubles in the squadron, and the com- 
manders had great difficulty in maintaining discipline 
among the younger officers and the unruly spirits 



2 20 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

among the crews. There was also at that time a deadly 
opposition among the different grades of officers; and 
there was a sad lack of ready and cheerful obedience 
for inferiors. "Captain Perry," says Mackenzie, who 
was a midshipman on the Java^ "was a strict and exact 
commander, enforcing rigid discipline in his ship; still 
he was disposed, on all occasions, to exercise equal 
justice to his inferiors, and repress any approach to an 
overbearing tone." The first serious offense on the Java 
occurred in entering the Bay of Naples, when, the ship 
being in perfect order in all other respects^ the captain 
observed that the marine guard did not present a 
uniformly tidy appearance. He pointed out to John 
Heath, the captain of marines, one member of his com- 
pany who was particularly untidy, and demanded to 
know why he was permitted to appear on deck in such 
condition. To this rational question the officer replied 
in, what Captain Perry conceived to be, a disrespectful 
and contemptuous manner, and prepared the way to the 
unpleasant scene that followed soon after. 

Towards the close of August, no definite adjustment 
having been reached in settlement of our claim against 
the Neapolitan government, the squadron set sail and 
proceeded to Messina. In this port Captain Perry be- 
came involved in the unfortunate difficulty with Heath 
who, though generally inattentive to duty, as official 
papers have revealed, had on various occasions apolo- 
gized to the captain for neglect of duty and trifling 
offenses against the discipline of the ship. From the 
tone of his letters of apology it is almost certain that he 
had no settled purpose of infringing the rules of the 
service, or of wounding or annoying his commander, 
whose duty it was to sustain them. Mackenzie says 
that he "can barely recollect him as a good-natured, 
rather fat, unmilitary-looking, and exceedingly indolent 
man, who wore his hands in his pockets on the quarter- 
deck, and his hat on one side, less with a view appar- 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 221 

ently of annoying the captain, than for the comfort of 
being at his ease." 

Without entering into very particular detail of the 
circumstances of his unpleasant dispute, the main facts 
will be found helpful in forming a just appreciation of 
the character, and a veneration for the memory of Perry. 
But it^must not be supposed that in the course of his 
life he never, in a single instance, acted indiscreetly, 
intemperately, or mistakenly, for to do so would be to 
place him on a pedestal of perfection — a state of some- 
thing more than man. In no way can these facts be 
better told than by Perry's letter to Commodore 
Chauncey, requesting an inquiry into his conduct 
towards Heath. It contains a brief history of the 
quarrel, and Perry's explanations of his feelings which 
tended to justify his action : 

"U. S. ship Jam, Tunis Bay, Oct. 8, 1816. 

Sir: 

I am under the painful necessity of informing you 
of a circumstance, and of detailing to you the causes 
which led to an event of a very unpleasant nature. 

"The apparent violation of the laws of my country, 
which may be imputed to me, in my having offered 
personal violence to a captain of the marine guard of 
this ship, I trust will be in a great measure extenuated 
by the consideration that, although 1 do not absolutely 
defend this mode of redress, yet I insist the consequences 
were produced by a sufficient justification. 

"The general deportment of Captain Heath towards 
me, so contrary to the usual address of my officers, and 
moreover, his marked insolence to me in many instances, 
induced me to believe, that his conduct proceeded from 
a premeditated determination to insult me on every occa- 
sion. 

"His palpable neglect of duty on several important 
emergencies, together with the usual insolent and inat- 



222 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

tention to the calls of his office, made it a desirable ob- 
ject for me to solicit his removal the first convenient 
opportunity, not only to obtain a more active and vigil- 
ant officer, but to save him the rigorous severity of a 
court martial. I now, sir, narrate to you the circum- 
stances which have thus compelled me to address you. 

"On the evening of the sixteenth last, while this 
ship lay at anchor in the harbor of Messina, two of her 
marines deserted by jumping overboard and swimming 
ashore. Informed of this fact, Captain Heath, as their 
commanding officer, was immediately sent for and ac- 
quainted therewith, but he refused to go on deck, alleg- 
ing as a reason therefor the subterfuge of indisposition, 
I then repeated the order for him to come on deck and 
muster the marines. This duty he executed in so care- 
less and indifferent a manner, and at the same time 
neglected to report to me until called by me, "^and re- 
quested to do so, that (conscious that such an occasion 
ought to animate the most careless and inattentive 
officer to decision and promptitude), I was induced 
from such a manifest neglect of duty, to say to him, 
'that he might go below, and should do no more duty 
on board the Java.' 

"On the evening of the eighteenth of September, he 
addressed me a letter, written by himself, which he 
caused to be laid on the table in the cabin, and which I 
received at a very late hour. This letter being couched 
in language which I deemed indecorous and disrespect- 
ful, I sent for him and demanded why he thus addressed 
me, and particularly why he had selected a time so 
obviously improper. He immediately assumed a man- 
ner so highly irritating and contemptuous, that I be- 
lieved it my duty to arrest him, (after having expressed 
to him my indignation at such conduct), and for this 
purpose sent for the second marine officer, at the same 
time ordering him to be silent. In utter disregard of 
this order, though repeatedly warned of the conse- 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 223 

qiiences of his disobedience, he persevered in the same 
irritating tone and manner, until at length, after reiter- 
ating attempts to effect his silence, 1 gave him a blow. 
Frequent outrage added to insult, provoked this dis- 
agreeable consequence. 

"Mortified, that I should so far forget myself, as to 
raise my arm against any officer holding a commission 
in the service of the United States, however improper 
his conduct might have been, and however just the cause, 
I immediately, in conformity to principle, offered to 
make such apology as should be proper for both; this 
proposal was refused which procluded the necessity of 
any further overtures. The offer was consonant to the 
views of the most distinguished officers of the squadron, 
after their being made fully acquainted with every 
particular. 

"From my having been educated in the strictest 
discipline of the navy, in which, respect and obedience 
to a superior was instilled into my mind as a funda- 
mental and leading principle, and from natural disposi- 
tion to chastise insolence and impertinence, immediately 
when offered me, even in private life, must be inferred 
the outburst of indignant feeling, which prompted me 
to inflict personal satisfaction on an officer who thus 
daringly outraged the vital interests of the service in 
my own person. 

"I have thus gone through this unpleasant recital 
with as much candor and conciseness as possible. I 
might indeed detail to you other acts of delinquency in 
this officer, but I will not further weary you with the 
circumstances of this unfortunate affair, but confine 
myself to the request, that you will be pleased to order 
a court of inquiry or court martial, as you may see fit, 
to examine into the causes which led to this seeming 
infraction of the laws of the navy. 

"After eighteen years of important and arduous ser- 
vices in the cause of my country, it can hardly be im- 



324 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

agined that I have any disposition to infringe that dis- 
cipline, which is the pride and ornament of the navy; 
and to prevent any intention being falsely ascribed to 
me, I beg you will give immediate attention to this 
request, that the navy, as well as my country, shall be 
satisfied of the integrity of my motives. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

O. H. Perry. 
To Isaac Chauxcey, Esq.. Commodore.^^ 

Whatever prejudice may have existed in the mind 
of Captain Perry, and however great the provocation 
over the infraction of discipline on the part of Heath, it 
is difficult to find justification for his act of arbitrarily 
depriving the latter of his command of the marines. 
Captain Heath had been ordered to the Java by the 
secretary of the navy, and at the time there was a com- 
modore in command of the squadron in port, whose duty 
it was to adjudicate such matters of dissension. In the 
heat of passion these circumstances were overlooked or 
ignored by Perry. Two days after this unfortunate 
occurrence, hearing nothing further from his com- 
mander, Heath very naturally wrote the letter of in- 
quiry, to learn his status on the ship. To show how 
little in his language could be construed as offensive, 
the letter is transcribed : 
"Sir: 

On the evening of the sixteenth instant, I was 
ordered below by you from the quarter-deck, with these 
words, or to that effect, 'I have no further use for your 
services on board this ship.' I have waited till this 
moment to know why I have been thus treated, and, 
being ignorant of the cause, request my arrest and 
charges. 

Very respectfully, &c., 

John Heath. '^ 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 225 

It is perfectly obvious that it was an act of great in- 
discretion on the part of Captain Perry in calling Heath 
before him at an unseeming hour of the night, when 
neither was likely to have his feelings and temper under 
control, to answer for having addressed him in such a 
way, the plea of which should have been regarded as 
entirely reasonable. It is also clear that it was an act 
of intemperateness for Perry to give way to a "burst 
of indignant feeling;" while the act of offering per- 
sonal violence to his inferior was utterly unjustifiable. 
On the other hand, in view of Perry's feelings, his re- 
morse over having violated the rules of the service, and 
his offer to make a proper apology to Heath in atone- 
ment thereof, will ever he held as highly honorable of 
him. The trials by court martial were called in due 
course during the month of December, 1816, in which 
Captain Heath was found guilty of "disrespectful, in- 
solent, and contemptuous conduct towards Captain 
Perry, his superior officer," and also of disobedience of 
orders. Captain Perry was found guilty of having used 
improper language, and of striking Captain Heath. 
Both were sentenced to be privately reprimanded by the 
commander-in-chief, a punishment which was scarcely 
proportioned to the offences. In consequence of the 
leniency shown by the court, the difficulty between the 
offenders was not definitely settled until many months 
after. 

"The general character of Perry," wrote Niles in 
1820, "was such as to effectually shield it from any im- 
putation of unprovoked violence, tyranny, and arbitrary 
conduct. He was, during his whole life, remarkable 
for his modest deportment, for the affability of his 
manners, and for his mild and unassuming conduct. 
And, although we would not entirely justify his conduct 
on this occasion, yet there was something in it not only 
free from blame, but highly meritorious. The man of 
real worth and virtue, often appears lovely even in his 



2 26 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

faults. These frequently appear like a veil thrown over 
his virtues, which, although it may obscure their bril- 
liancy, gives them a novel and often a more interesting 
character, for their being seen through a different 
medium. When Perry, from the combination of extra- 
ordinary circumstances, was betrayed into an intemper- 
ate and improper act, he was prompt and ready to offer 
satisfaction for it. He promptly offered to make an 
honorable apology to Captain Heath for the aggression 
on his part, which though repeated and submitted in 
writing, was peremptorily refused." This ungenerous 
attitude of Heath complicated the affair, which should 
have ended there; but, through it all, he was very ill 
advised by his friends in the marine service. They evi- 
dently intended to upset and ruin the reputation of the 
illustrious hero of Erie, an ignoble purpose which, how- 
ever, was not successful. To Perry's offer of apology 
submitted in writing, they caused Heath to reply in 
these words : "The injuries which have been inflicted 
upon me by Captain Perry are of such a nature that I 
cannot receive any apology he can offer as an atonement, 
but rely upon the laws of my country for justice." 

From the Bay of Tunis the squadron proceeded to 
Algiers, and continued the cruise down the Mediter- 
ranean, arriving at Gilbralter early in November. In 
this passage an incident occurred which gave the officers 
of the Java and of the whole squadron, a good idea of 
the admirable seamanship of Captain Perry. In stand- 
ing down before a brisk Levanter, running nine or ten 
knots, Lieutenant Dulany Forrest, the officer of the 
deck, fell overboard through an open gangway, calling 
out to Mr. Fitzgerald, the purser, as he passed rapidly 
astern, "tell them the officer of the deck is overboard, 
Fitz I" The dreaded cry of alarm instantly brought the 
captain on deck, when, raising his clear, sonorous voice, 
he ordered the ship by the wind, giving the word of 
command with rare tact and judgment, so that the men. 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 227 

inspired by the animated presence of their commander, 
and the desire to save life, gathered in the sails as she 
came to with the speed of magic. In about three 
minutes the ship was under snug sail, the boat had been 
lowered, and the crew was pulling rapidly in the direc- 
tion designated by the lookout from aloft. In a few 
minutes the drowning officer was reached and hauled in 
by the hair of his head ; and was soon on board the ship 
apparently lifeless. By skilful application, however, 
Doctor Parsons restored him to consciousness. 

While at Gibralter instructions were received from 
the government appointing a commission to negotiate a 
new treaty with Algiers. Commodore Chauncey, Mr. 
Shaler, our consul there, and Mr. Handy, chaplain of 
the Java, were chosen commissioners. The squadron 
thereupon sailed for Algiers in fulfillment of this duty, 
and, on arrival, the commissioners were soon able to 
conclude the negotiations upon the basis of that of Com- 
modore Decatur, and established all the important prin- 
ciples secured to us by that treaty. Information of this 
event was immediately communicated to the several 
American consuls in the Mediterranean, expressed with 
the belief that our commerce had nothing to fear from 
the cruisers of the Barbary powers. 

Soon after this important duty had been concluded, 
the Java was ordered home with the newly-negotiated 
treaty, leaving the rest of the squadron at Port Mahon. 
She sailed from that port on the twelfth of January, 
1817, and, after encountering head winds nearly all the 
way, arrived at Gibralter on the twenty-sixth. After 
taking on supplies of provisions, they stood out to sea 
that evening, for several hours running at the rate of 
twelve knots. In the steady trade winds they had the 
usual delightful weather, but on approaching our own 
coast they met with severe gales, in which they fell in 
with several disabled ships whose crews were exhausted 
from fatigue and want of food. Captain Perry w^as 



228 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

able to relieve many suffering seamen, and never 
hesitated a moment to run out of liis course upon seeing 
a vessel having the slightest appearance of being in dis- 
tress, even without the customary signal. To add to 
the uncomfortable ending of their voyage, the ship was 
leaking badly keeping the pumps going constantly, and 
there was much sickness among the crew. "All the 
sickness," says Mackenzie, "gave scope, as usual, to the 
exercise of the unwearied benevolence which Perry ever 
exhibited towards the sick under his command. He 
daily visited them, and inquired as to their condition 
and wants, and never failed to send from his own table 
whatever could be grateful to the convalescent. The 
captain's steward, an old fashioned Narragansett negro, 
by the name of Hannibal, with a huge mouth, elephant- 
like teeth, and a perennial grin, might be seen daily 
cautiously descending the steerage ladder in search of 
a sufferer, with some dainty from the cabin table, or 
some tempting preserve from the family stores, provided 
for such an emergency by the forethought of woman." 
At length, on the third of March, the Java arrived 
at Newport. Captain Perry at once directed Mr. 
Handy, his secretary, to proceed to Washington, with 
the new treaty and dispatches from Commodore Chaun- 
cey. Soon after, the Java was ordered to Boston, where 
her crew was mustered out, and she was soon dis- 
mantled. Her commander thereupon resumed command 
of the station at Newport, and settled himself once more 
in the endearments of home, of which no man ever more 
fully or more thankfully enjoyed. Upon parting with 
his officers who had served on the Java, he was pre- 
sented by them with an earnest testimonial of their 
high regard and esteem in the form of an affectionate 
letter of farewell, which has been found among his 
papers. As a faithful record has been made of his ex- 
treme misconduct to an officer of the marine corps in a 
fit of uncontrollable rage — the only one which, in a 



RESUMING COMMAND ON THE SEA 229 

life of anxious duties, he ever gave way to — it is but 
fair to include a few passages from this free offering of 
grateful hearts, of those who knew him best. The 
letter was signed by Lieutenants Maepherson, M'Call, 
Turner, Stevens, Forrest, and Taylor, all of whom, ex- 
cept one, had been with him in battle. 

"You are about to relinquish the command of the 
Java, and we to separate from you, perhaps for ever. 
Will you permit us, with the deepest regard for the loss 
of one with whom we have been so long associated, to 
lay before you the tribute of our gratitude and esteem? 
We have seen you in every vicissitude incident to the 
tumultuous profession of arms, and everything has con- 
tributed to augment the esteem which our hearts spon- 
taneously formed. Whether in the hour of perilous 
achievement, of unequalled triumph and success, or in 
the quiet circle of domestic life, we have ever beheld the 
same self-devotedness, the same unshaken fortitude and 
patience, and the same diffusive kindness. We, sir, owe 
you no common obligations. In your leaving the JoAya 
we have not only to lament the loss of a beloved com- 
mander, but of a zealous and devoted friend. The 
favors which you have bestowed upon us have tended to 
cement our hearts the more closely to virtue. You have 
been the watchful monitor of our errors, as well as the 
faithful rewarder of our good conduct. We believe that 
with you we have acquired a fixed character ; and while 
we have in remembrance the distinguishing traits of 
yours, every vicious inclination will be suppressed. We 
cannot but hope that some fortunate concurrence of 
events will hereafter place us again under your com- 
mand. To that period we look with impatient expec- 
tation, while we earnestly hope that you may reap, in 
the happiness of domestic life, the richest reward of 
the virtuous heart ; and, when you look back to the busy 
scenes of other days, we beg we may occupy a place in 
your recollections." 



230 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

At the time this letter was addressed to Captain 
Perry, Doctor Pai-sons was absent from Boston, but he 
separately took a friendly leave of him by letter, from 
which the following is transcribed : 

"Understanding that you have relinquished the com- 
mand of the Java, in which I have had the honor of 
serving under you for more than two years, permit me, 
on our separation, to tender to you my grateful acknowl- 
edgment for the very friendly and generous solicitude 
with which you have at all times regarded my best in- 
terests and happiness. It is but just to say, that the 
mere performance of my duty has ever given me a cer- 
tain passport to your friendship and favor, and I shall 
ever regard it as the happiest incident of my life, that I 
was so fortunate in being placed under a commander 
who has ever been exceedingly active in advancing the 
improvement and welfare of his officers. 

"Permit me also to express the feelings with which 
I shall ever bear in mind your treatment of the sick and 
wounded seamen. In you they have ever found a kind, 
attentive commander and sympathizing friend. Your 
prompt attention at all times to whatever I could sug- 
gest for the preservation of health or the benefit of the 
sick, your diligent inquiries into all their wants, and 
frequent appropriations of all your private stores for 
their comfort, are among the numerous acts of benefi- 
cence which can never be forgotten by them or me. In 
short, to your humane exertions is attributable any 
extraordinary success that has ever attended my pri- 
vate practice during the four years I have been under 
your command." 



CHAPTER XIII 

Renewed Difficulties with Heath and Elliott 

SOON after resuming command of the Newport 
station, Captain Perry was employed on a sur- 
vey of the line-of-battle ship Independence, of 
seventy-four guns, which was built in Boston, in 1814. 
It had been found that she carried her lower-deck guns 
too low, and it was necessary to determine whether she 
should be continued at her original rate, with slight 
alterations, or be cut down to a frigate. Although 
Perry recommended that her spars, ballast, and general 
stores be reduced, to accomplish the desired result, the 
beautiful ship was eventually converted into a frigate, 
a process which, it was said, merely substituted new 
defects for the old. During the summer he was busily 
engaged, in association with Commodores Bainbridge 
and Evans, and General Swift of the corps of engineers, 
in examining the eastern end of Long Island Sound and 
the harbor of Newport, to determine the practicability 
of erecting fortifications for the defense of towns and 
villages situated along that coast. The commission de- 
cided adversely on this proposition, but was favorable 
to the plan of erecting defenses for the protection of 
Newport. Later they examined the coast north of the 
Delaware, to select a proper site for a naval depot and 
dockyard. On this proposition they disagreed, Perry 
advocating Fall River, in Mount Hope Bay, as combin- 
ing unequalled advantages for a naval establishment. 

In the Fall of 1818 the agitation over the differences 
with Heath, which had been revived by the public press, 
caused him great uneasiness and distress of mind. His 

231 



232 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

enemy had influential friends in Virginia, who brought 
the matter before the public by means of pamphlets 
and the use of the press, in the most venomous abuse 
and vilification. The very frenzy of enthusiasm, which 
the public and press four years before had manifested in 
his favor, gave conspicuousness to his offence ; and the 
public prints, conceiving themselves called upon to re- 
dress grievances of this nature, meted out to him the 
residue of justice which they believed the military court 
had withheld. To the object of these attacks, a man of 
proud and sensitive nature, retiring in his habits and 
inclinations, and accustomed to unbounded praise, the 
experience of being placed on the pillory of censure 
must have been very bitter indeed. During this ordeal, 
however, he was not without the support and encourage- 
ment of many loyal friends, who did not think it such 
a terrible offence to chastise one impertinent and inso- 
lent fellow. Commodore Decatur, Commodore Porter, 
and many others of honor in his profession, availed 
themselves of this appropriate occasion to remind him 
of their still active esteem and regard, and of their 
attachment and sympathy. President Monroe, too, took 
particular pains to mark his high sense of Perry's 
merits, and his strong personal attachment to him, by 
appointing him his aid on a trip of inspection of the 
eastern liarbors, on board the brig Enterprise, a com- 
pliment which was well-timed and gratifying to the 
wounded feelings of the illustrious Perry. 

Toward the close of the year Captain Heath took 
measures to bring his unfortunate case to the only issue 
that would satisfy the feelings of the marine corps, or 
which, indeed, would restore Captain Perry to popular 
favor with the people. Popular opinion, with all its 
scruples, was still an abettor of the system of duelling; 
and, when it was intimated that Heath was about to call 
upon him for personal satisfaction, Perry determined 
to grant the demand. He therefore placed his honor 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 233 

safe with Decatur and Porter to arrange the necessary 
details of the meeting ; and wrote the former under date 
of January 18th, 1818, as follows: 

"My dear Commodore: 

You are already acquainted with the unfortunate 
affair which has taken place between Captain Heath 
and myself. Although I consider, from the course he 
has thought proper to pursue, that I am absolved from 
all accountability to him, yet, as I did, in a moment of 
irritation, produced by strong provocation, raise my 
hand against a person honored with a commission, I 
have determined, upon mature reflection, to give him 
a meeting, should he call upon me; declaring at the 
same time, that I cannot consent to return his fire, as 
a meeting, on my part, will be entirely an atonement for 
the violated rules of the service. I request, therefore, 
my dear sir, that you will act as my friend on that occa- 
sion. 

Very truly your friend, 

O. H. Perry. 
Commodore Stephen Decatur.^^ 

This generous and self-sacrificing attitude in the 
affair shows conclusively, that Perry had not wantonly 
outraged either the service or one of its officers. He 
was willing to atone for his offence by exposing his life 
to a bitter enemy, without raising his hand in self- 
defense. But Heath and his friends had given so much 
publicity to the contemplated meeting, that the author- 
ities were everywhere on the alert, and there was great 
difficulty in bringing it about. Besides, letters poured 
in from all quarters from Perry's friends counselling 
him against the meeting, by appeals based either on 
moral consideration, or on his opponent's having refused 
to accept from him a proper apology for the injury 
sustained. On the third of April Perry wrote to an 
anxious friend : "As regards this meeting with Heath, 



334 OLIVER HAZAED PERRY 

it has almost become farcical from the publicity which 
he and his partisans have given it. This circumstance 
weighs more with me than any other. I do not wish 
to render myself ridiculous." To another friend, on the 
fourteenth of May, he wrote, "The only difficulty now 
is my adversary has rendered himself so contemptible in 
this quarter, I am at a loss how to act." 

The affair thus dragged until the third of October, 
when Heath and his second invaded the State of Rhode 
Island. This caused such commotion among the people 
that the civil authorities took them both into custody, 
and detained them until they entered into an agreement 
to keep the peace and leave the state. But before tak- 
ing their departure, arrangements were secretly made 
for the meeting in the vicinity of Washington. The 
whole unfortunate affair had brought such anxiety to 
his domestic circle, and such annoyance to his friends, 
that Perry caused this provision to be endorsed on the 
l)ack of the agreement for terms, signed by the seconds 
of both parties: "Captain Perry desires it to be ex- 
plicitly understood that, in according to Captain Heath 
the personal satisfaction he has demanded, he is in- 
fluenced entirely by a sense of what he considers due 
from him, as an atonement to the violated rules of the 
service, and not by any consideration of the claims which 
Captain Heath may have for making such a demand, 
which he totally denies; as such claims have been for- 
feited by the measures of a public character which Cap- 
tain Heath has adopted towards him. If, therefore, the 
civil authorities shall produce an impossibility of meet- 
ing at the time and place designated, which he will 
take every precaution to prevent, he will consider him- 
self absolutely exonerated from any responsibility to 
Captain Heath touching their present cause of differ- 
ence." 

The tenth of October was the time originally set for 
the meeting, but Commodore Decatur had passed Perry 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 235 

on the road to Washington, and it was necessary for 
him to turn back to New York. The parties finally met 
on the nineteenth on the Jersey shore of the Hudson, 
above Hoboken, at a place condemned by humanity as 
the scene of many distressing tragedies. Captain Perry 
was accompanied by Commodore Decatur and Major 
James Hamilton, a schoolmate and constant friend; 
while Heath was attended by Lieutenant Desha, of the 
marine corps. Upon arrival on the scene no time was 
lost in bringing about the event ; the navy pistols were 
produced; the principals were placed back to back; 
and the seconds stood aside. Perry's face at this crucial 
moment, it is said, was calm and unmoved, and free 
from all traces of rancor, while his bearing was far 
from betraying his intention of exposing his life with- 
out jeopardizing that of his antagonist. The command- 
ing figure of Decatur was drawn up to its fullest stature, 
and his countenance was calm and thoughtful. At a 
given word the antagonists advanced five paces with 
measured step, then wheeled; Heath discharged his 
pistol towards Perry, but missed him, while Perry ab- 
stained from raising his arm. Decatur then stepped 
forward and read the letter which Perry had addressed 
to him months before, declaring his intention not to 
return the fire of Heath; and observed that he pre- 
sumed the party claiming to be aggrieved was now sat- 
isfied. Captain Heath having admitted that his injury 
was atoned for, the parties returned to New York. Thus 
the unpleasant affair ended, with more honor to the hero 
of Erie; and his opponent, the marine corps, the press 
and the people were satisfied. Perry's failure to raise 
his hand against his antagonist, while he placed him- 
self in a situation to be wantonly slain, was as magna- 
nimous as it was unusual. 

During the Summer, while the agitation over this 
affair was at its height. Captain Elliott conceived that 
the time had arrived to vent his malice. Upon learning 



236 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

that Captain Perry was about to meet his enemy, he 
accordingly prepared to destroy what might be left of 
him after Heath had finished. Captain Perry had felt 
too secure in his own position to expose the treachery 
of this ungrateful officer ; and now that the press were 
flinging their venomous shafts at the hero w^th little 
regard for the truth, Elliott renewed his efforts to in- 
jure him by the grossest misrepresentations at Wash- 
ington. On the fourteenth of May he wrote to Cap- 
tain Perry from Norfolk, complaining of the many 
wrongs under which he suffered, and accusing him of 
"base, false, and malicious reports as contained in the 
certificates enclosed." The certificates referred to 
merely asserted that Captain Perry had said, in speak- 
ing of Elliott's conduct in the battle of Lake Erie, that, 
"Captain Elliott had better be quiet on that subject, and 
that the least he and his friends said about it the better 
it would be for him." He also brought to mind the 
contents of Perry's letter of commendation, dated the 
nineteenth of September, 1813, in which his superior 
had said that, "the victory was due in a great measure 
to his (Elliott's) bringing the small vessels into close 
action," and that, "the Niagara would from her supe- 
rior order have taken the Queen Charlotte in twenty 
minutes, had she not made sail and engaged the Law- 
reiwe." In conclusion, Elliott wrote, "I would not 
dwell on the action that you would write a private letter 
to the secretary of the navy, and express your surprise 
that the country did not give me half the honors of the 
victory." 

To this letter Captain Perry replied as follows : 

"Newport, R. I., June 18, 1818. 
Sir: 

The letter which I have lately received from you 
has evidently been written for the purpose of being ex- 
hibited to your friends, and in the hope that, passing 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 237 

without reply, it might gain credit among those whom 
you have been long in the habit of practicing similar 
impositions. You had much reason, sir, to indulge in 
such a hope. 

"It is humiliating to be under the necessity of re- 
plying to any letters written by a person who so little 
knows what becomes a. gentleman. I must not, how- 
ever, permit you to derive from my silence any counten- 
ance to the gross falsehoods contained in your letter, 
and which it would be an affectation of decorum to 
call by any other name; such particularly, is the ab- 
surd declaration you impute to me in the close of it, 
and the perverted account you give of the manner in 
which I was induced to write a letter in your favor. 
How imprudent, as well as base, it is of you, by such 
misrepresentations, to reduce me to the necessity of re- 
minding you of the abject condition in which I had pre- 
viously found you, and by which I was moved to afford 
you all the countenance in my power; sick (or pretend- 
ing to be sick ) in bed in consequence of distress of mind, 
declaring that you had missed the fairest opportunity 
of distinguishing yourself that man ever had, and 
lamenting so piteously the loss of your reputation, that 
I was prompted to make almost any effort to relieve 
you from the shame which seemed to overwhelm you. 
This, you very well know, was the origin of the certi- 
ficate I then granted you; and that your letter to me 
(of which you once furnished a false copy for publica- 
tion, and which you now represent as making a demand 
upon me), was merely an introduction to mine. An- 
other motive I had, which you could not appreciate, but 
which I urged with success on the other officers; it re- 
sulted from a strong, and, I then hoped, pardonable de- 
sire, that the public eye might only rest upon the gal- 
lant conduct of the fleet, and not be attracted to its 
blemishes, as I feared it would be by the irritation ex- 
cited by your conduct among the officers and men, most 



338 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

of whom, I hoped, had acquired sufficient honor to 
gratify their ambition, even should that honor be shared 
by some one v.-ho might less deserve it. 

"The expressions stated in your two certificates to 
have been made by me, when speaking of your unmanly 
conduct, were probably the most lenient I have for a 
long while employed when called upon to express my 
opinion of you; and although known, as you must be 
conscious your character is to me, it was quite needless 
for you to have procured certificates of the contempt 
with which 1 have spoken of you. You might readily, 
however, have furnished much more ample ones, and 
of a much earlier date, than those it has suited you to 
produce ; for you allowed but little time to elapse, after 
receiving the benefits of my letter, before your false- 
hoods and intrigues against me made me fully sensible 
of the error I had committed in endeavoring to prop 
so unprincipled a character. 

"If it is really true that you hurried to Washing- 
ton for the purpose of inviting me to a meeting, it ia 
indeed unfortunate that intentions for which you give 
yourself so great credit have evaporated in a pitiful 
letter, which none but a base and vulgar mind could 
have dictated. The reputation you have lost is not to 
be recovered by such artifices; it was tarnished by 
your own behavior on Lake Erie, and has constantly 
been rendered more desperate by your subsequent folly 
and habitual falsehoods. You cannot wonder at the 
loss; that reputation which has neither honor nor truth, 
nor courage for its basis, must ever be of short dura- 
tion. Mean and despicable as you have proved yourself 
to be, I shall never cease to criminate myself for hav- 
ing deviated from the path of strict propriety, for the 
sake of screening you from public contempt and indig- 
nation. For this offence to the community I will atone 
in due time, by a full disclosure of your disgraceful 
conduct. But that you, of all men, should exultantly 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 239 

charge me with an error committed in your favor, and 
by which you were (as far as a man in your situation 
could be) saved from disgrace, is a degree of turpitude 
of which I had before no conception." 

O. H. Perry/' 

This plain and fearless denunciation of Elliott 
brought forth from him, under date of July 7th, a de- 
mand for personal satisfaction, in which he said, "Your 
letter of the 18th June is before me, and I have read it, 
sir, with attention, and will do you the justice in 'say- 
ing' it is a masterly production of Epistolary black- 
guardism ; and I am now induced to give you that invi- 
tation which I supposed my letter would have drawn 
from you. I now invite you to the field, appoint your 
time and place some where equal distant from us both; 
I feel no disposition to procrastinate this business by 
useless waste of ink and paper. I must resort to some 
other weapon more potent than a 'pen', one which will 
place me at once above your cunning and teach you that 
all your former low and ungenlumany acts shall not 
shield you from the chastisement you merit. I would 
recommend a senteral situation a place in which we 
might be strangers, by doing so the object of our meeting 
would excite no suspicions, and throw no new difficulty 
in the way." 

Not long after Captain Perry made this reply to 
Elliott : 

"Newport, August 3, 1818. 
Sir: 

Your letter of the 7th ult. was delivered to me on 
my return to this place from New York. It is impos- 
sible that you should not have anticipated the reply the 
invitation it contains would at this time receive, hav- 
ing before you my letter of the eighteenth of June last, 
in which I implicitly gave you to understand what 
course I should pursue in regard to you. Most men, 



240 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

situated as you are, and avowing their innocence, would 
have considered their honor best defended against the 
charges contained in that letter, by first demanding the 
investigation announced to you, and holding me ac- 
countable on failure to support them. 

"I have prepared the charges I am about to prefer 
against you, and by mail tomorrow, shall transmit them 
to the secretary of the navy, with a request that a court 
martial be instituted for your trial on them. 

"Should you be able to exculpate yourself from 
those charges, you will then have the right to assume 
the tone of a gentleman; and, whatever my opinion of 
you may be, I shall not have the least disposition to 
dispute that right, in respect to any claim you may 
then think proper to make upon me. 

I am, sir, your liumble servant, 

O. H. Perry. 
Captain J. D. Elliott^ U. S. Navy, Norfolk." 

The charges which Captain Perry was preparing 
against Elliott were completed a few days after, and 
were transmitted to Washington with the following 
letter, which reveals the reasons for not bringing the 
charges sooner to the notice of the government. 

"Newport, August 10th, 1818. 
The Hon. Benjamin W. Crowningshield^ 

Secretary of the Navy. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to lay before you copies of a letter 
lately received by me from Captain Elliott of the navy, 
and of certain certificates enclosed herein, with copies 
also of my letter in reply, and of the affidavits of Lieu- 
tenants Turner, Stevens, and Champlin, and Dr. Par- 
sons. 

"The conduct of Captain Elliott, partially pre- 
sented to view in these papers, and still more clearly 
marked by other acts of that officer within my knowl- 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 241 

edge, and fully susceptible of proof, imposes on me the 
duty of preferring against him the charges which ac- 
company this letter; and I now accordingly do prefer 
said charges against Captain Elliott, and request that 
a court martial may be ordered for his trial thereupon. 

"The facts upon which some of these charges are 
founded (particularly those relating to the behavior of 
that officer during the engagement on Lake Erie), hav- 
ing been long in my possession, you will expect me to 
account for my not having sooner made them known to 
the government, and for having mentioned favorably, in 
my official report of that action, an officer whose con 
duct had been so reprehensible. 

"At the moment of writing that report, I did, in 
my own mind, avoid coming to any conclusion to what 
cause the conduct of Captain Elliott was to be imputed ; 
nor was I then fully acquainted with all the circum- 
stances relating to it. Having, previously to the en- 
gagement, given all the orders which I thought necessary 
to enable every officer to do his duty, and feeling con- 
fidence in them all, I was, after it commenced, neces- 
sarily too much engaged in the actual scene before me 
to reflect deliberately upon the cause which could in- 
duce Captain Elliott to keep his vessel so distant both 
from me and the enemy. And, after the battle was won, 
I felt no disposition to rigidly examine into the con- 
duct of any officers of the fleet; and, strange as the be- 
havior of Captain Elliott had been, yet I would not 
allow myself to come to a decided opinion, that an 
officer who had so handsomely conducted himself on a 
former occasion (as I then in common with the public 
had been led to suppose Captain Elliott had), could 
possibly be guilty of cowardice or treachery. The sub- 
sequent conduct also of Captain Elliott; the readiness 
with which he undertook the most minute services; the 
unfortunate situation in which he now stood, which he 
lamented to me, and his marked endeavors to conciliate 



342 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

protection — were all well calculated to have their 
effect. But still more than all, I was actuated hy a 
strong desire that in the fleet I then had the honor to 
command, there should he nothing hut harmony after 
the victory they had gained, and that nothing should 
transpire which would hring reproach upon any part of 
it, or convert into crimination the praises to which they 
were entitled, and which I wished them all to share and 
enjoy. The difficulties produced in my mind by these 
considerations, were, at the time, fully expressed to an 
officer of the fleet in whom I had great confidence. If 
I omitted to name Captain Elliott or named him with- 
out credit, I might not only ruin that officer, but, at 
the same time, give occasion to animadversions which, at 
that period, I thought would be little to the honor or 
advantage of the service. If my official report of that 
transaction is reverted to, these embarrassments, with 
respect to Captain Elliott, under which I labored in 
drawing it, will, I believe, be apparent. That report 
was very different from what had been expected by the 
officers of the fleet; but, having adopted the course 
which I thought most prudent to pursue with regard to 
Captain Elliott, I entreated them to acquiesce in it, and 
made every exertion in my power to prevent any further 
remarks on his conduct — and even furnished him with 
a favorable letter or certificate for the same purpK)se, of 
which he has since made a very unjustifiable use. 

"These, sir, are the reasons which induced me at the 
time not to bring on an inquiry into his conduct. The 
cause and propriety of my doing so, will, I trust, re- 
quire but few explanations. I would willingly, for my 
own sake as well as his (after the course I had pursued 
for the purpose of shielding him), have still remained 
silent; but this. Captain Elliott will not allow me to 
do. He has acted upon the idea that by assailing my 
character he shall repair his own. 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 243 

"After he was left in the command on Lake Erie, I 
was soon informed of the intrigues he was then practic- 
ing, some of which are detailed in these charges. These 
I should not have regarded as long as they were pri- 
vate; but I then determined and declared to many of 
my friends in the navy, that should Captain Elliott 
ever give publicity to his misrepresentations, I would 
then demand an investigation of the whole of his con- 
duct. This necessity is now forced upon me. 

"Believing my hands to be bound, and even braving 
me with the very certificate afforded him in charity, this 
officer at last addresses directly to myself, and claims 
my acquiescense in the grossest misrepresentations — 
not only of his own conduct on Lake Erie, but of con- 
duct and declarations he imputes to me. 

"Thus has Captain Elliott himself brought his own 
conduct on Lake Erie again into view, and, by involv- 
ing with it imputations upon mine, has compelled me 
to call for this inquiry. He can make no complaint, 
therefore, of delay in bringing forward any of these 
charges. Those which regard his conduct on Lake Erie, 
and his justification (if he has any), are besides as per- 
fectly susceptible of proof now as at any earlier period. 
Whatever the character of that behavior was, it was 
witnessed by such numbers as to leave nothing in it 
equivocal or unexplained. Some of the officers who 
were with him may still be called upon, and although 
two or three others are deceased, yet so were they when 
Captain Elliott himself called for a court of inquiry. 
Certificates also were obtained from these officers by 
Captain Elliott while living, the originals of which are 
in the department, and it may be seen by them that 
those officers, if present, would have no testimony to 
give which could at all mitigate with these charges. 
There are as many officers deceased from whose testi- 
mony Captain Elliott would have much more to fear, 
than he would have to hope from that of the officers 



244 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

above alluded to. A court of inquiry consisting of 
three officers was once called at the request of Captain 
Elliott, in consequence (if I recollect rightly) of some 
allegations to the conduct of the l^iagara, supposed to 
be contained in the British Commodore Barclay's re- 
port; and though that inquiry (of which no notice to 
attend as witnesses was given to any of the commanders 
of vessels on Lake Erie) could only be a very limited 
one, and could involve no actual trial upon Captain 
Elliott's conduct, yet he undoubtedly had before that 
court all such witnesses as could testify in his favor, 
and the record of that testimony (if any of those wit- 
nesses are deceased) will avail him. Captain Elliott, 
therefore, can suffer nothing from the lapse of time, 
and it would indeed be a strong pretension in him to 
claim protection from inquiry into his conduct, at the 
same time that he is giving notoriety to his own repre- 
sentations of it, and that, too, to the prejudice of others. 

"I am, sir, fully sensible how troublesome the fre- 
quent examinations into the conduct of officers has been 
to the government, and how disagreeable they must have 
become. I am aware, also, that the public are justly 
dissatisfied with them, and that reproach has been 
brought upon the service by means of them. I have, 
therefore, avoided asking for this investigation as long 
as I could do so with any justice to the service, or to 
my character. 

I have the honor to be, sir. 

Your most obedient servant, 

O. H. Perry.'' 

The formal charges against Captain Elliott were 
never acted upon by the government ; and it is presumed 
that the motives of the president in suspending the 
whole matter were the same which influenced Captain 
Perry to withhold them for so long a time. There was 
most likely the same unwillingness to reveal to the 



DIFFICULTIES WITH HEATH AND ELLIOTT 245 

nation and to the world so disgraceful a passage in 
our history as the treachery of the second in command 
in the battle of Lake Erie. The facts were not made 
public until about 1840, when Alexander Slidell Mac- 
kenzie, U. S. N., first presented his full and authentic 
life of Perry. Whether Captain Elliott and Captain 
Heath were acting under a concerted plan to ruin the 
reputation of the heroic Perry, can only be conjectured ; 
but it is certain that they caused the object of their 
venomous attacks a very unhappy year. That he rose 
from both unfortunate affairs with honor and with his 
self-respect unimpaired, added greatly to his prestige 
as a noble exemplar of his country's principles and 
honor. 



CHAPTER XIV 
His Last Ceuise 

IN possession of the restored admiration of his 
countrymen, and surrounded by intelligent and 
deeply-devoted friends, Captain Perry bad one 
more Winter of domestic tranquillity, of unalloyed 
happiness. From the snug little cottage in Narragan- 
eett, on the farm which had been settled by Edmund 
Perry and occupied by five generations of his people, 
where he had spent a portion of the summer and autumn, 
he now moved his family to his comfortable house in 
town. To the quiet enjoyment of this home he now 
devoted himself, heart and soul; yet held himself in 
readiness to quickly answer his country's call. "I have 
no fixed plan as regards public employment," he wrote 
Hambleton, "but if I am ordered abroad, I will go cheer- 
fully; but I will not solicit anything from the govern- 
ment. They know better, probably, than I to what I 
am entitled, and they must determine." Most of his 
little means, which was the reward bestowed upon him 
by a grateful people for heroic deeds, was carefully in- 
vested; and the emoluments of his office were entirely 
sufficient for his family needs in a community where 
extravagance and ostentation were almost unknown. 
Scarcely yet entering in the prime of life, in the en- 
joyment of excellent health, he might well have said, 
"thou hast much good laid up for many years; take 
thine ease." 

As the Winter of 1819 came to an end, he received, 
on the thirty-first of March, a summons from the dis- 
tinguished secretary of the navy, as follows: 

246 



HIS LAST CRUISE 247 

"New York, March 29th, 1819. 

Sir: 

We have some very important and confidential busi- 
ness which the president wishes to commit to some of 
our distinguished navy officers, and has mentioned you 
as one he is desirous of entrusting with it. The busi- 
ness is of such a nature, and the arrangements neces- 
sary to be made to carry it into effect require, that I 
should have a personal interview with you. I wish, 
therefore, you would repair to this place as soon as you 
conveniently can. Be pleased to drop me a line immedi- 
ately on the receipt of this, and let me know when you 
will be here, that I may make it a point to be at home. 
I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your most obedient servant. 



Smith Thompson. 



Commodore Perry.^ 



Upon arri\dng at New York, Captain Perry was 
confidentially informed of the important service which 
was to be intrusted to him. It was nothing less than a 
diplomatic mission of no trifling delicacy, to the Re- 
public of Venezuela. This struggling republic after 
years of bloody strife had finally, about two years be- 
fore, effectually thrown off the yoke of Spanish tyranny, 
and since, in union with New Granada, the province ad- 
joining on the south, had maintained a regular govern- 
ment under the patriotic leader, Simon Bolivar. The 
seat of this republican government was at Angostura, a 
town of ten thousand inhabitants, situated on the 
declivity of a hill about three hundred miles up the 
Orinoco. 

The difficulty with this new republic had arisen 
over the depredations of privateers commissioned by it, 
without limit or qualification, on American commerce 
on the high seas. The predatory expeditions had been 
fitted out ostensibly to cruise against the ships of Spain, 



248 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

but in very many cases had passed with great facility to 
the lawlessness of pirates, and extended their opera- 
tions to include the ships of other nations. American 
commerce extended over the civilized world, and in 
South American waters had suffered severely. The 
government had determined, therefore, to put an end in 
a quiet and peaceable way to a system which could no 
longer be tolerated. 

To effect this desirable object without wounding or 
giving offence to a warm-tempered people, whose friend- 
ship they sought to cultivate, required sound judgment, 
energy, and discretion ; and it was a fine tribute to the 
ability and acumen of Captain Perry that it was in- 
trusted to him. A naval force, such as he might deem 
necessary, was to be placed at his disposal in order to 
lend a military character to the diplomatic mission. 
For these services he was to receive extra compensation 
from the department of state, under whose orders he was 
to be placed for that portion of his duties. As an 
honored servant of the people, he could not decline a 
task of such importance thus flatteringly tendered him 
by the president; and he accepted it at once. He then 
returned to his home to hastily prepare for his de- 
parture, and linger to the latest moment within the 
circle of his family. 

The frigate ConMellation, of thirty-six guns, had 
been ordered out to bear his flag, but, as some time 
would be required to prepare her for sea, the sloop John 
Adams was given him temporarily, and the frigate was 
to follow with the least possible delay. On the tenth of 
May, the secretary informed him that the ship would be 
ready to sail as soon as he could proceed to Washington 
and receive his instructions from the secretary of state. 
As the John Adams would be unable to pass the bar at 
the mouth of the Orinoco, over which there was only 
sixteen feet of water, the schooner X on such, a vessel of 
lighter draft, was also placed at his disposal for the 



HIS LAST CRUISE 249 

cruise up the river. The state instructions set forth the 
friendly course which the United States had pursued 
towards the republics of South America, and our 
doctrine with regard to blockades and the equipment 
of privateers. During his stay in Washington, Perry 
passed many of his leisure hours in the congenial com- 
pany of his loyal friend, Commodore Decatur, of whom 
he often mentioned in his notes and papers in terms of 
the most exalted admiration. 

On the fifth of June he proceeded to Annapolis and 
went on board the John^ Adams, when his broad pennant 
was hoisted under a salute of thirteen guns. The ship 
was in good order and ready to sail, but her commander. 
Captain Alexander S. Wadsworth, left her the following 
morning to take command of the Constellation, which 
he was to bring out to Perry, and then resume the com- 
mand of his own ship. His first officer, however, was 
his staunch and devoted friend. Lieutenant Daniel 
Turner, and his purser was his former secretary, Mr. 
C. O. Handy. In his notes he observed that "the officers 
were gentlemen-like-looking young men, and the crew a 
tolerably good one." At this time, while waiting for 
the purser to come from Washington with the necessary 
funds for the expedition, and for the arrival of the 
Nonsiwh, the commodore addressed a letter to a close 
relative, from which the following paragraph is trans- 
scribed : 

"I must content myself with giving you a very brief 
letter, with some account of myself. Without feeling 
at liberty to mention where I am going, or upon what 
service, I can assure you that it is perfectly satisfactory 
to me. The course which has been observed towards 
me by the different officers of the government, with 
whom I have had occasion to communicate, has been 
extremely gratifying. My wishes have been, as far as 
possible, anticipated; and whatever I have suggested. 



250 OLIA^ER HAZAED PERRY 

immediately assented to. I go out as commodore, and 
am to have several vessels under my orders." 

At Annapolis Commodore Perry was joined by 
B. Irvine, an accredited confidential agent to Venezuela, 
who gave him much useful information regarding the 
political condition of that country, from which he had 
recently returned. He also made clear the character of 
the prominent officials of the government with whom 
the commodore was likely to come in contact. On the 
evening of the sixth the purser arrived with funds, and 
on the following morning the John Adams weighed 
anchor and stood down the bay. That night they met 
the Xonsnch, commanded by Lieutenant Alexander Clax- 
ton, and both vessels proceeded seaward. But they 
were detained by head winds and calms, and only got 
to sea on the eleventh of June, on a course which would 
take them to the passage between St. Thomas and Porto 
Rico. This they cleared in due course and arrived off 
Barbados on the fifth of July. To this island the com- 
modore sent Mr. Handy on board the NonMick, to get 
the latest information regarding the political situation 
of the country to which he was destined, and of other 
matters pertaining to his movements. The schooner 
returned on the following day bringing the purser with 
the desired information, and abundant supplies of fresh 
provisions. 

Lieutenant Claxton, who meanwhile was attending 
to the military civilities, saluted the British flag and 
waited upon Admiral Campbell, who commanded the 
station on the Barbados. The admiral thereupon ex- 
pressed "his regret that he should have been denied the 
opportunity of showing the commodore all the civility 
which he wished, but hoped yet to have the pleasure of 
meeting him." He also learned from the admiral that 
the season for the dreaded hurricanes was at hand, and 
that the first one was expected daily. The wind hauling 
to the south and west, attended with dark weather, was 



HIS LAST CRUISE 251 

certain indication of their approach; and great appre- 
hension was felt that season because of the uncommon 
absence of thunder and lightning. It was mentioned, 
however, that they were never known to blow further 
southward than two degrees beyond Barbados, and navi- 
gation of the Gulf of Paria was free from danger. Port 
of Spain, in the island of Trinidad, moreover, was a 
safe harbor, where it would be expedient to leave the 
John Adams while cruising up the Orinoco. 

Proceeding on their voyage, in defiance of the furies 
of the elements, the two vessels arrived, on the fifteenth 
of July, at the delta of the Orinoco. They experienced 
some difficulty in finding its navigable mouth, which 
was laid down differently in various charts of the time, 
and not correctly in any possessed by the United States 
navy. At length the commodore transferred his flag to 
the Nonsuch, and ordered the John Adams to proceed 
to the Port of Spain, about fifty leagues distant, to 
await his return. He then took on a pilot off the bar 
and commenced the tedious ascent of the river, a 
journey, which for about two hundred miles, was 
through an uninhabited country. Because of the low, 
marshy character of the land on both sides of the 
stream, and the frequent freshets which converted wide 
stretches of country into a vast inland sea, it was 
abandoned to the forces of nature. The banks, however, 
were densely covered with lofty trees, to which, the 
stream being very deep, the schooner was often tied, 
while the crew jumped ashore. 

Farther up the river they came to native settle- 
ments on higher ground, where the vast forests were 
alternated by plantations which amply repaid the toil 
of the cultivators. Everywhere the scenery was grand 
and majestic, and often beautiful; but the swarms of 
mosquitoes, the excessive heat, and the discomforts of 
the stuffy cabin in the small vessel, rendered the attrac- 
tions of little enjoyment to them. When the wind was 



252 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

light the commodore would sometimes get into his boat, 
and pull along the bank in advance of the schooner, 
bringing down with his gun the birds and other game 
which abounded in the overhanging trees. In his notes 
of the journey, he graphically described the discomforts 
of the situation: 

"Confined on board a small vessel," he wrote, "we 
rise in the morning after being exhausted by the heat. 
The sun, as soon as it shows itself, striking almost 
through one; mosquitoes, sandflies, and gnats covering 
you. As the sun gets up, it becomes entirely calm, and 
its rays pour down a heat that is insufferable. The 
fever it creates, together with the irritation caused by 
the insects, produce a thirst which is insatiable; to 
quench which we drink water at eighty-two degrees. 
About four o'clock, a rain squall accompanied by a 
little wind, generally takes place. It might be supposed 
that this would cool the air; but not so. The steam 
that rises as soon as the sun comes out, makes the heat 
still more intolerable. At length the night approches; 
the wind leaves us. We go close in shore and anchor; 
myriads of mosquitoes and gnats come off to the vessel, 
and compel us to sit over strong smokes created by burn- 
ing oakum and tar, rather than endure their terrible 
stings. Wearied and exhausted, we go to bed to endure 
new torments. Shut up in the berth of a small cabin, 
if there is any air stirring, not a breath of it reaches us. 
The mosquitoes, more persevering follow us and annoy 
us the whole night with their noise and bites, until, al- 
most mad with the heat and pain, we rise to go through 
the same troubles the next day." 

At length, on the twenty-sixth of July, the little 
schooner reached Angostura, which lies near nine de- 
grees north, or about the same latitude as Panama. 
The commodore immediately announced his arrival by 
dispatching an officer on shore to wait on the vice-pres- 
ident, Don Antono Francisco Zea, as Bolivar was then 



HIS LAST CRUISE 253 

with the army, and offer the customary salute. This 
official expressed his pleasure at the arrival of an armed 
vessel of the United States bearing an officer of rank, 
and promised that a salute should be returned gun for 
gun. He also said that "he would be happy to receive 
the commodore on the following morning at ten o'clock." 
Before the appointed time the Nonsuch saluted the 
Venezuelan flag, and her salute was properly returned 
by the battery on shore. At ten Commodore Perry 
landed, attended by several of his officers, and by 
Doctor Forsyth, an American resident of the place, who 
acted as interpreter in all the commodore's intercourse 
Avith the vice-president. The party was received in the 
Hall of Congress with manifestations of respect, and, 
when the customary compliments had been exchanged, 
the commodore arranged for an informal meeting, when 
he would make known the object of his mission. They 
then retired, and, upon the urgent invitation of Dr. 
Forsyth, the commodore took up his residence with 
him. 

On the evening of the following day, which was the 
twenty-eighth of July, the vice-president called on the 
commodore at his lodgings, when the whole matter was 
laid before him. He was sensible of the great influence 
which the United States had exerted with foreign powers 
to the aid and encouragement of his country, and 
assured the commodore that everything would be 
arranged to their entire satisfaction, including indem- 
nity for the losses suffered by American shipping. But 
the negotiations with the infant republic dragged, and, 
on the first of August, Perry made the following note: 
"I received assurance of a prompt and favorable issue 
to my business. Yet with the indolence of these people, 
I am not sanguine of an early termination of my visit; 
a visit which affords me no pleasure farther than a 
prospect of succeeding to the full extent of my wishes. 
The climate is bad, the town is extremely sickly. Al- 



254 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

ready two Encjlishmen have been buried from the house 
in which I reside, and others are dying in different 
parts of the town daily. The officers and crew of the 
schooner begin to be sickly and anxious. For my own 
part, I meet this danger, as I do all others, simply be- 
cause it is my duty ; yet 1 must own there is something 
more appalling in the shape of death in a fever than in 
the form of a cannon ball. The Creoles are dying daily. 
I have nothing to do but wait patiently the time of the 
vice-president, and occasionally urge him to expedite 
my papers." 

A week later, sickness having broken out on the 
schooner to an alarming extent, and the surgeon also 
attacked, the commodore wrote a note to the vice-pres- 
ident, saying that he must depart. In his notes, he re- 
corded : "The communications I made to the vice-pres- 
ident appeared in the first instance to produce a favor- 
able impression, but at present he affects, as I am told, 
to think that the sole object of my visit is to reclaim the 
property that has been illegally captured. He joins 
others in the opinion that it will be policy to restore 
this property, as it will make a favorable impression on 
the minds of foreign nations. Yet it is a hard matter 
to make them disgorge their plunder. These people 
affect to think that it is very unkind in the United 
States to demand restitution of any property, however 
piratically obtained, if it has been done in the name of 
patriotism. Some difficulty may be anticipated in 
regulating their privateers by suitable restrictions, as 
people engaged in this business are the only moneyed 
men, and, of course, possess great influence. They will 
not readily give up so fruitful a source of revenue as 
the privilege of plundering at pleasure the peaceful 
commerce of all nations." 

It was not until the eleventh of August that Perry 
finally received from the secretary of state a definite 
reply to his note claiming indemnity for the vessels and 



HIS LAST CRUISE 255 

property condemned within the territory of the republic. 
The government admitted, though reluctantly, the prin- 
ciple of restitution, and the secretary promised to make 
an early settlement of its obligation. He also pledged, 
on belialf of the republic, that its cruisers and privateers 
would henceforth be restricted within narrower limits. 
Thus, by holding themselves responsible for illegal 
captures, they created a motive to restrict the operations 
of their vessels to the admitted rights of belligerents. 

Having thus brought the communications to a sat- 
isfactory issue, the commodore would have left at once, 
but he was so strongly urged to remain until the follow- 
ing Saturday, the fourteenth, when a dinner was to be 
given in his honor by the government, that he felt he 
could not decline doing so consistently with the im- 
portant object of conciliation. He therefore delayed 
his departure to comply with the wishes of the officials, 
though he fully realized the increasing perils of his 
situation. On board the Nomuch, Lieutenant Claxton 
and Lieutenant Salter, and twenty of the crew were then 
ill with the fever. The disease, however, had not 
assumed a very virulent character, as fifteen of the crew 
were slowly recovering. He continued daily to go 
aboard the schooner, to cheer the sick with encouraging 
words, and to look after their comfort. The three 
days of keen anxiety finally passed, and, at the ap- 
pointed time, the commodore and some of his officers 
dined with the vice-president, the officials of the gov- 
ernment, and the leading citizens of the place. For- 
getting the vexatious delays and the distrust of the offi- 
cials by whom he had been annoyed, he prepared to part 
with his entertainers with more kindly feelings. 

On the following day, the fifteenth of August, a new 
constitution of the republic was solemnly proclaimed 
with religious ceremonies and the firing of cannon. 
Upon urgent invitation Commodore Perry assisted in 
the ceremonies, a duty which was an appropriate ter- 



2S6 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

ruination of his diplomatic mission. On the conclusion 
of this affair, he immediately went on board the Non- 
such which weighed anchor and dropped rapidly down 
the river. He was not feeling very well at the time, 
but rose on the following morning in better health and 
with cheerful spirits. The rapid motion of the schooner 
gliding swiftly down with the current, greatly animated 
him, the shores with their magnificent vegetation and 
lofty trees seeming to glide ST\'iftly away like magic. 
On the seventeenth he ordered out his gig and was pulled 
along the banks to resort to his gun for fresh game. 
That night the Nonsuch reached the mouth of the 
Orinoco, but, as the wind was unfavorable to cross the 
bar with safety, she was anchored within it until morn- 
ing. 

While the commodore lay sound asleep in his berth, 
the wind freshened, and the schooner, with stern to sea- 
ward by reason of the swift current, took on much spray 
which dashed down the companion hatch of the trunk- 
cabin, thoroughly wetting him. About daybreak he 
awoke with a severe chill. Doctor Forsyth, who had 
taken passage on the schooner, which was to proceed 
to the United States with dispatches, immediately pre- 
scribed for him, and in about an hour the chill passed 
off. This left him, however with great pain in the head 
and back, a hot skin, and soreness of the muscles, which 
were the symptoms of a very severe attack of yellow- 
fever. During the illness of Doctor Morgan, the ship's 
surgeon. Doctor Forsyth had treated the cases of fever 
on board the schooner Avith marked success, and he 
now took charge of the distinguished patient, and 
attended him with unremitting care. But the use of 
cathartics and the lancet, which had been successful 
in other cases, brought no relief; and the case, proving 
so different from the others wliicli had occurred on 
board, was considered a presage of gi'eat danger. 



HIS LAST CRUISE 257 

The schooner, meanwhile, meeting with light and 
unfavorable winds, was making but slow progress 
toward Port of Spain, where she was to meet the 
John Adams. On the third day after leaving the 
Orinoco, the commodore was in a most unpromising con- 
condition. He was restless from extreme pain, and his 
breathing was deep and tremulous. The use of the 
usual remedies was continued, and every effort made to 
maintain his strengih with nourishing drinks, and his 
head was sponged frequently with vinegar and water to 
allay the distressing heat; but all without avail to 
effect any permanent change for the better. Occasion- 
ally his skin became cool and his breathing more 
natural, only to be followed by a new paroxysm of fever 
to destroy the hopes of his faithful attendants. 

From the first the commodore was apprehensive of 
the outcome of the attack ; and, indeed, when in Wash- 
ington, had remarked to his friend. Commodore Decatur, 
that he felt if he should be stricken with the fever, he 
could not survive. But through all his suffering he 
evinced a resolute spirit not to allow this belief to in- 
fluence unfavorably his chances of recovery. The small 
and confined cabin of the schooner, in which ventila- 
tion was impossible and the heat almost unbearable, 
added to the discomforts and made him impatient to 
reach his ship, where he would be so much more at his 
ease. On the fourth day of his fever the Nonsuch was 
still forty miles from Port of Spain, and the progress 
was so slow that an officer was dispatched in an open 
boat to the Johii Adams, to make known his serious 
condition. At this time the efforts of the physicians 
were directed to sustain the powers of life and allay his 
intense pain, as his strength was almost gone. He had, 
however, entire possession of all the faculties of mind; 
and as Doctor Morgan has said : "His patience and for- 
titude never forsook him; his mind seemed entirely 
superior to the greatest agony of suffering he felt. His 



258 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

sufferings were severe, but during the whole of his ill- 
ness, he showed every characteristic that could be ex- 
hited bv a great man and a christian.-' On one occa- 
sion, when dwelling, no doubt, on the rare felicity of 
his home life, the commodore remarked, "few persons 
have greater inducements to make them wish to live 
than I ; but I am perfectly ready to go if it pleases the 
Almighty to take me; 'the debt of nature must be 
paid.' " "^ 

Towards noon of Monday, the twenty-third of 
Augiist, the gallant defender of our country's rights, 
though in good spirits, was in extremity and rapidly ap- 
proaching his end. It was his birthday, the thirty- 
fourth of his earthly career. The schooner was then 
within six miles of port, and from the John Adams 
came Lieutenant Turner, Doctor Osborne, the surgeon, 
and Mr, Handy, to offer their sympathy and aid. The 
temperature was raging above ninety, and his bad 
symptoms had returned, but as he saw by his bedside 
the devoted Turner, his trusty companion in former 
perils, and sharer of his brilliant victory, he was 
sensibly touched, and inquired about the ship, the 
officers and the crew. To Mr. Handy, whom he then 
summoned, he extended his hand and succeeded by an 
effort in looking him in the face, asking how he had 
been, and expressing a strong desire to reach his ship, 
and escape from the discomforts of his present situa- 
tion. After this his strength failed rapidly, his skin 
became tinged with yellow, the pain which he had 
suffered passed away, and at half past three o'clock, he 
expired. Thus, the illustrious Perry, still in youthful 
manhood, died, of a painful ailment, surrounded by 
every discomfort, yet with a calmness and resignation 
befitting his character and worthy of his renown. 

As the spirit of the hero passed beyond, the Non- 
such was within a mile of the John Adams, to the 
officers and crew of which the fact was made known by 



HIS LAST CRUISE 259 

the lowering- of his pennant. Among the officers and 
crews of both vessels the deepest gloom prevailed in 
mourning for him, who had strongly endeared himself 
to them by his justice, his uniform kindness, and his 
solicitude for their comfort and welfare. The greatest 
anxiety existed among the senior officers, lest the body 
of their beloved commander might not be transported 
to his home for burial ; but the surgeons agreed that it 
was advisable to make the interment at Port of Spain. 
They at length became reconciled to leaving the mortal 
remains in a foreign country, a colony of Great Britain, 
knowing full well that the Uni,ted States would not fail 
in due time to reclaim them with all honors. 

To carry out the decision of the surgeons. Lieuten- 
ant Turner at once applied to Sir Ralph Woodford, the 
governor of Trinidad, for permission to land the body 
for burial, a request which was courteously granted with 
expressions of deep concern. At four o'clock on the 
twenty-fourth of August, the funeral party left the side 
of the John Adams in small boats, forming a mourn- 
ful procession as they pulled slowly away, with 
measured strokes in concert with minute guns from the 
ships, which were continued until they reached the 
wharf. The regular and even firing of guns was then 
resumed by the battery at Fort St. Andrew. The body 
was received at the landing by the Third West India 
Regiment, with arms reversed, the officers wearing 
white scarfs and hat bands. Following in the proces- 
sion was the regimental band playing the dead march in 
Saul, and then the commandant of the garrison and his 
staff. Officers of rank, on horseback, attended the 
hearse as bearers, while the chief mourners — the 
officers of the two ships — a large number of prominent 
residents, and one hundred and twenty sailors came 
after, the procession being closed by Sir Ralph Wood- 
ford. 



26o OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

The presence of the governor was a very unusual 
token of respect; and, as the procession moved slowly 
tlirough the streets, the balconies and roofs were 
crowded with people, who showed deep feeling. At the 
entrance to the burying ground, the troops filed off and 
formed a double line for the solemn pageant to pass 
through. The funeral service was impressively per- 
formed and three volleys of musketry fired over the 
grave. The minute guns from the fort then ceased; 
and, as stated in a local paper, "the whole body of 
attendants on the funeral retired from the burying 
ground with every mark of sympathetic grief for the 
premature death of a gallant man, and a good parent 
and citizen." 

The officers were unable to account for the great 
respect and sympathy evinced by all classes of inhabi- 
tants, until informed that some of the officers and men 
then stationed on the island of Trinidad, had been 
prisoners taken by the Americans in the battle of the 
Thames, and were enthusiastic in their gTateful expres- 
sions of the kindness and humanity of Commodore 
Perry, and their admiration of him as a commander and 
as a man. As soon as it had become known that he was 
to call at Port of Spain, from the Orinoco, the greatest 
desire was created by all classes of the people to see 
him ; so that when he arrived in the harbor only to die, 
the most that they could do was, by respect to his re- 
mains, to express their deep sympathy. The story of 
his youth, his manly bearing, his skill and bravery in 
the battle on the lake, and withal, his humanity to his 
suffering captives — a story soon told when death had 
claimed him — affected all people, even in the far dis- 
tant land. 

So grateful, indeed, were the American officers for 
these marked evidences of sympathy on the part of 
strangers, that they expressed their thanks in a public 
manner. In further evidence of appreciation and in 



HIS LAST CRUISE 261 

conformity with naval etiquette, Lieutenants Turner and 
riaxton, in behalf of the officers, returned thanks by 
letter to the governor, and the commandant of the gar- 
rison and his officers. Both officials returned compli- 
mentary replies; Sir Ralph Woodford taking occasion 
to express his "lively regret that the hopes which he 
had entertained of receiving Commodore Perry within 
that government, with the consideration due to his rank 
and merits, had been so fatally disappointed." 

With the death of the commodore, the further ob- 
jects of the cruise, which included a call to the port of 
Buenos Ayres, could not be fulfilled; and the John 
Adums, under the command of Lieutenant Olaxton, re- 
turned to the United States, \^^len the announcement 
of Perry's death was received by his countrymen, the 
voice of sorrow spread over the whole republic; and, 
forgetting the one fault of his life, in the lustre which 
he had shed upon the American arms, they only remem- 
bered his splendid services. In this last cruise he had 
gone forth on a delicate mission to a far distant land; 
he had won the respect and admiration of the foreign 
government; he had succeeded in his mission to an 
eminent degree; and he had fallen in youthful man- 
hood, in the height of his glory, by the ravages of an in- 
sidious ailment. The circumstances attending his diffi- 
culties and anxieties, his brave fight for life, his resig- 
nation at the last, amidst the most uncomfortable and 
disheartening surroundings, filled the nation with 
sorrow and anguish. The fall of a man so pre-eminently 
distinguished and useful, who promised a long career of 
active service to his country, of new acts of bravery and 
patriotism, and of fresh honors and new laurels of a 
more brilliant and unfading lustre, was everywhere re- 
garded as a national calamity. This was emphasized 
by President INIonroe, representing the sovereignty of 
the nation, in the most emphatic terms, in making men- 
tion of the event in his annual message to Congress. 



262 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

It was universally believed that, in the records of mor- 
tality, no other event since the death of General Wash- 
ingrton, in 1799, occasioned such general sensations of 
sorrow or regret, and such genuine sympathy for the 
bereaved family. 

Legislative enactments in various states proclaimed 
the estimate of the national loss ; and the president sent 
messages of condolence to the sorrowing family of the 
commodore. As a more substantial evidence of sin- 
cerity, he directetl the secretary of the navy to bear all 
the expenses of the funeral, as a charge upon the 
treasury department. In due time, a ship of war was 
dispatched to the Island of Trinidad, for the express 
purpose of bringing the remains of the illustrious hero 
to Newport for final interment. Congi'ess, in recogni- 
tion of the extraordinary services rendered by Commo- 
dore Perry to his country, solemnly granted an annuity 
to his widow and children. Considering the times and 
the condition of the national finances, the gi'ant was a 
most liberal one ; and the motive of Congress in taking 
such unusual action, was no less honorable to that body 
than to the fame of the nation's immortal son. 

As expressed by his fellow officer and biogi*apher, 
Alexander Slidell Mackenzie, "envy, hatred, malice, and 
uncharitableness found no resting place in the heart of 
Perry. There was no room there for any but the noblest 
feelings and affections. He was not disturbed by petty 
irritability on trifiing occasions, though his temper was 
violent, and easily aroused by injustice towards others 
or himself. He was discriminating in the choice of 
his friends, and possessed eminently the faculty of 
creating strong affection for his person in those who 
were intimate with him. With regard to those who 
were accidentally associated with him, and for whom he 
had no previous or particular regard, he was ratlier dis- 
posed to discover their good qualities than to W cen- 
sorous of their faults. He was unsuspicious in his 



HIS LAST CRUISE 263 

temper, and gives himself the character of being 
credulous; the fault of a noble mind, conscious of no 
evil itself, and suspecting none in others. His magna- 
nimity was conspicuous, and betrayed him into some in- 
discretions. He had a chivalrous sense of the courtesy 
that is due to woman, and the most enthusiastic admir- 
ation of the female character. 

*'As a naval commander, he was sensitively alive to 
the appearance, order, and efficiency of his vessel; 
everything connected with the management of the sails, 
and the skilful performance of every duty connected 
with the fighting department, received his zealous and 
unwearied attention. As an officer and a seaman he 
was equally eminent. He was a strict disciplinarian; 
but always punished with reluctance, and only when un- 
avoidable. With the officers, his extraordinary faculty 
of creating a lively attachment for his person spared 
him the necessity of frequent censure; a disapproving 
glance of the eye had often more effect than the stern 
rebuke of others. Every germ of merit was sure to be 
discovered and encouraged by him ; and his attention to 
the moral and intellectual training of his midshipmen 
was unceasing. 

"The person of Perry was one of the loftiest stature 
and the most graceful mould. He was easy and meas- 
ured in his movements, and calm in his air. His brow 
was full, massive, and lofty, his features regular and 
elegant, and his eye full, dark, and lustrous. His mouth 
was uncommonly handsome, and his teeth large, regular, 
and very white. The prevailing expression of his 
countenance was mild, benignant, and cheerful, and a 
smile of amiability, irresistibly pleasing, played in con- 
versation about his lips. His whole air was expressive 
of health, freshness, comfort, and contentment, bearing 
testimony to a life of temperance and moderation. In 
his private character he was a model of every domestic 
virtue and grace; an affectionate husband, a fond 



264 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

father, and a faithful and generous friend. Thoroughly 
domestic in his tastes, yet social in his feelings, he was 
hospitable without ostentation, and was not averse to 
a measured and regulated conviviality in the midst of 
his family and friends. The amiability of Perry was 
one of his most distinguishing traits, and the suscepti- 
bility of his feelings was excessive. He so impressed 
his friend. Commodore Decatur, that, when informed of 
the particulars of his death, he exclaimed with great 
solemnity, 'Sir, the American Navy has lost its bright- 
est ornament.' " 



CHAPTER XV 
Memorials to His Honor 

NO nobler tribute to the memory of any man can 
be realized than that raised by the hands of 
his former enemies in bloody warfare. What 
motive would prompt them, after suffering all the perils 
of his fiercest attacks, to raise an enduring monument 
over his mortal remains? Ah! it is nothing less than 
a deep sense of the nobility of human sympathy for 
suffering and distressed fellow beings, as manifest by 
an adversary on the field of battle, that can implant 
such feelings in the hearts of man. With such a noble 
and humanizing motive the people of the Port of Spain 
honored themselves by commemorating the character 
and bravery of the American hero. For scarcely had 
his sorrowing friends and shipmates departed from 
their shores, following the solemn obsequies, before the 
British authorities — the governor, officers and soldiers 
of the garrison — and prominent citizens, planned for 
the erection of an appropriate and substantial memorial 
over the grave of Commodore Perry, in the island of 
Trinidad. This was the first monument erected to his 
honor, and was completed early in the following year. 
Six years after, in the autumn of 1826, the govern- 
ment of the United States dispatched the sloop-of-war 
Lexington to Trinidad, on the express mission of bring- 
ing the remains of the lamented Perry to his native 
land. On the twenty-seventh of November the ship 
arrived at Newport, and on Monday, the fourth of De- 
cember, the final rites due to a departed hero were 
solemnized with all funeral honors. With regard to 

265 



266 OLIVER HAZAED PERKY 

his rank the coffin was borne on a bier, the lower part 
of which was the form of a boat, while the canopy was 
decorated with stars and trimmed with dark curtains, 
with black plumes at each corner. In a grassy mound 
on the west side of the island cemetery, the remains 
were reinterred with appropriate military ceremonies. 
On this spot, overlooking the waters of the bay which he 
had loved so well, the state of Rhode Island later 
erected an enduring shaft of gi'anite, as a fitting testi- 
monial of the public regard for his memory. On the 
east side of the shaft is engraved the inscription: 
"Oliver Hazard Perry. At the age of twenty-eight he 
achieved the victory of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813." 
On the north side is the inscription: "Born in South 
Kingston, Rhode Island, August 23, 1785. Died in 
Port of Spain, August 23, 1819. Aged 34 years." On 
the west side there appyears: "His remains were con- 
veyed to his native land in a sloop-of-war and here 
interred, December 4, 1826." On the south side are the 
simple words : "Erected by the State of Rhode Island." 
During the subsequent period of twenty-five years, 
little was done of which any record remains, aside from 
the biographical works of eminent historians, to com- 
memorate the heroic deeds of Commodore Perry or the 
victory on Lake Erie. The pioneer settlements along 
the lake shore and in favored places inland, were still 
struggling Avith the difficulties and hardships of fron- 
tier life; and, although these events were fresh in the 
memory of the older inhabitants, there was little in- 
clination or opportunity of meeting to celebrate the re- 
curring anniversaries. But in 1852 five companies of 
the Volunteer Militia of Ohio held a three days' en- 
campment, from July 3 to 6, in Put-in Bay on South 
Bass Island. This was the first military display or 
celebration held on the island since General Harrison's 
army encamped there in 1813. On Monday, the fifth 
of July, a company of leading citizens of Sandusky 



MEMORIALS TO HIS HONOR 267 

joined the militia in the celebration at the island, and 
in a duly organized meeting adopted resolutions "in 
reference to the erection of a monument on Gibralter 
Eock, Put-in Bay, commemorative of Perry's brilliant 
victory on Lake Erie, and in honor of the dead who 
fell in that memorable engagement. It is nov^ both 
the duty and the pleasure of their countrymen, to erect 
to their memory a monument, which shall exhibit to 
future generations the appreciation the present enter- 
tains of the value of their service and sacrifice. There- 
fore, trusting in the cordial and efficient co-operation 
of their countrymen throughout this broad land, they 
form themselves into an association, styled 'the Battle 
of Lake Erie Monument Association.' " 

Nothing further was done in the matter, however, 
due to an outbreak of cholera w^hich swept over North- 
em Ohio, and other causes immediately following, until 
1858, when an enthusiastic celebration was held at Put- 
in Bay on the tenth of September. The occasion was 
the forty-fifth anniversary of the glorious victory on the 
lake, and about eight thousand people came to the island 
in ten steamboats from Buffalo, Cleveland, Sandusky, 
Toledo, and Detroit, and in numerous small craft from 
the smaller places. After the proper salutes had been 
given from two government vessels lying in the harbor, 
the meeting of the Association was called to order and 
presided over by Governor Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio. 
Addresses appropriate to the event were then delivered 
by Hon. Eleutheros Cooke, Captain Stephen Champlin 
(of the Scorpion), Doctor Usher Parsons, the only 
known survivor of the Laivrence, who related thrilling 
incidents of the battle, and Hon. Ross Wilkins, of De- 
troit. After a number of patriotic songs had been sung 
by Ossian E. Dodge, and further salutes fired, the meet- 
ing was duly adjourned and the celebration concluded. 
During the celebration of the following year the corner 
stone of the monument was formally laid on the high- 



268 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

est point of Gibralter Rock, and within the stone are 
preserved the records of the association, and papers and 
coins of the period. The commencement of the civil 
war, however, took many of these sturdy patriots to the 
"front", and the association, which had done so much 
to keep alive the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of 
the people, was permitted to languish and die. 

In 1863 the title and ownership of the beautiful 
island of Gibralter passed from Rivera St. Jago, who 
then owned the whole group of islands, to the late Jay 
Cooke, patriotic financier of the civil war, who estab- 
lished thereon his summer home. After completing his 
residence in June, 1865, despairing of reviving the mon- 
ument association, many members of which had given 
their lives to the cause of the Union, Mr. Cooke, erected 
in the following year upon the corner stone already 
laid, at his own outlay, the simple and chaste monument, 
which is crowned with a bronze urn. Within thirty 
yards of this interesting monument, on the edge of the 
cliff to the north, is Perry's Lookout, from which point, 
it is said, he often trained his glasses in eagerly sweep- 
ing the western horizon for a sign of the enemy's ap- 
proach. This historic spot for several generations has 
l>een appropriately marked by a parapet of stone with 
comfortable rustic seats, from which the tourist scans 
the shimmering surface of the lake, seeking in imagin- 
ation the white sails and glistening sides of the British 
armada. Surmounting the low breastwork, to further 
commemorate the brilliant victory which took place 
within the range of the naked eye, is a lofty flagstaff, 
from which is regularly uufurkMi the Stars and Stripes, 

Across the harbor from Gibralter on Pnt-in Bay, in 
a grove of forest trees and near the shore of the crescent- 
shaped bay, lie the remains of the American and British 
officers who fell in the battle of Lake Erie. For many 
years the exact spot was marked by a willow tree, said 
to have been planted by Commodore Perry himself. 




r>- 







MEMORIALS TO HIS HONOR 269 

However this may have been, as generations passed, this 
monument of nature became gaunt and broken, and 
finally died. Years after the settlers on the island cut 
down the decaying trunk and planted at its base a 
sapling, which it was hoped would grow into a forest 
giant defying the fiercest lake storms and the ravages 
of time. But in this hope they were disappointed for 
the promising tree after a time withered and rotted 
away. The succeeding generation of patriotic islanders, 
in transforming the natural grove into an attractive 
park, erected a humble tribute to the heroic dead. From 
the proceeds of an amateur theatrical entertainment on 
the island, they set up a low pyramid of cannon balls 
embedded in stone and concrete, which remains today 
the only recognition which a grateful people have be- 
stowed upon the sacrifices of these heroes. 

The fire of patriotism, meanwhile, burned no less 
brilliantly in the hearts of the people of Cleveland. In 
June, 1857, resolutions were introduced in the city 
council by the Hon. Harvey Rice, for the erection of an 
appropriate and enduring monument to Commodore 
Perry, in commemoration of his glorious victory on the 
lake. A select committee of five citizens was duly ap- 
pointed and empowered to solicit subscriptions from 
the people of Cleveland and vicinity; and to contract 
for the erection of the memorial. In October of that 
year the preliminary work had so far proceeded that 
the committee contracted with T. Jones and Sons, of 
Cleveland, who agreed to furnish all the materials and 
to erect the monument in time for dedication on tne 
tenth of September, 1860. The contractors were imoued 
with the true spirit of patriotism, as they relied entirely 
upon the voluntary subscriptions of the people there- 
after to be obtained, for their payments, and the work 
was done at a price which left them nothing above their 
actual outlay. They were well honored, however, for 



270 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

having produced a work of art, the first of really notable 
character ever executed in the Middle West. 

After lengthy correspondence with eminent sculp- 
tors, the contractors had the good fortune to secure the 
services of William Walcutt, to design and model the 
statue. As a sculptor of busts Mr. Walcutt had 
already acquired a wide reputation, and, in undertak- 
ing the creation of a noble statue of Perry, he was in- 
fluenced more by the love of art and the character of 
his subject than by the remuneration in dollars and 
cents. Upon submitting his design of tlie statue to 
surmount the monument itself, the original plan of the 
monument was discarded, and the one drawn by the 
sculptor was approved in its stead. The change of 
plan required the pedestal to be constructed of Rhode 
Island granite, twelve feet in height, and the statue 
to be cut in Carrara marble, eight feet two inches in 
height, of heroic proportions so as to appear life-size 
to the eye when erected. The total height of the monu- 
ment, including the base, was to be twenty-five feet. 
The marble was shipped in the rough to Cleveland ; and 
in the studio of the Messrs. Jones, the entire work of 
cutting the statue was done. WTien completed the mon- 
ument was erected in the center of the public square, 
where it stood for forty years an object of pride and 
inspiration of the populace. It was afterward removed 
to a commanding situation in Wade Park, where it 
is no less the center of attraction. 

The Perry celebration of 1860 in Cleveland sur- 
passed any similar event in the history of the West. 
To the inauguration of the stately and life-like statue 
of the commodore, on the tenth of September, came the 
governor of Rhode Island and his staff, members of 
the state legislature, the famous Light Artillery Corps 
of Providence and the American Brass Band. Many 
prominent men, relatives and descendants of tlie naval 
hero, a few survivors of the battle on the lake and 



MEMORIALS TO HIS HONOR 271 

soldiers of the war of 1812, travelled many miles to 
join in the celebration, which was also attended by 
Governor Dennison, of Ohio, and his staff. The people 
of every town and hamlet on the lake shore, and from 
the interior of the state, thronged to the gayly decorated 
city, which, with its population of only forty-three thou- 
sand, entertained almost one hundred thousand visitors 
for two days. For such was the spell of a great naval 
victory thrown over a patriotic people more than fifty 
years ago, and after an interval of nearly the same 
length since the event itself. 

The memorable festivities opened on the morning 
of the tenth with a mammoth procession. In the 
stately pageant were the governors and their staffs, 
numerous military companies, distinguished guests and 
relatives of the commodore. Fifteen brass bands en- 
livened the march with patriotic strains; while the 
procession was about forty minutes in passing a given 
point. Upon arriving at the public square early in 
the afternoon, the distinguished visitors and orators 
of the day took their allotted places on the speaker's 
stand, and the more impressive ceremonies proceeded. 
Before them was the statue of heroic size, veiled with 
an American flag, which a moment later, by a deft 
movement of the sculptor, was revealed to them in all 
its beauty. For a moment a sudden hush passed 
through the crowd, then an exclamation of delight, 
followed by a tremendous burst of applause from the 
assembled multitude. The triumph of the sculptor was 
complete, and must have been the proudest moment of 
his life. 

Loud calls were quickly heard for Walcutt, who as 
soon as he could reach the stand, made a brief but fit- 
ting response. In part, he said: "The design of this 
monument, as you all know, is to perpetuate the fame 
of the immortal Perry. * * * Obviously, it is the 
Commander, brave and confident, giving directions to 



272 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

his men, while watching through the smoke of battle the 
effect of his broadsides upon the enemy. Figuratively, 
it is the impersonation of the triumphant hero, gazing 
with pride and enthusiasm over the beautiful land he 
saved with his valor, and pointing to the lake as if 
reminding us of the scene of his victory. No sculptor 
ever had a nobler subject, and, if in raising him, as it 
were, from his ashes, the few survivors of that glorious 
day may be able to recognize tlieir gallant leader, then 
1 am content." 

Wlien hearty cheers had been given to Walcutt, the 
State of Ohio, and for Rhode Island, the imposing 
statue was formally presented to the City of Cleveland. 
Mayor Senter thereupon, in an eloquent speech, accepted 
the work in the name of the city, after which the orator 
of the day, Hon. George Bancroft, delivered an oration 
abounding with beauty of thought, heart-throbs of 
loyalty to the cause of the Union, and animated expres- 
sions of right and justice, which thrilled his auditors 
with patriotic fervor. With fiery eloquence before the 
myriads there assembled the noble statue was then 
dedicated to the Union in the name of the people of 
Ohio. Upon concluding his address the Wayne Guards 
of Erie presented Mr. Bancroft with a beautiful cane 
made of wood taken from Perry's flagship Lawrence, 
with the sentiment that "they were proud to honor the 
hero and the historian whose graceful pen preserved un- 
tarnished the lustre of the heroic deeds of 1813.'' In 
a few words the orator thanked them and said he was 
happy to receive the memento from the Guards, and 
particularly as they bore tlie name of one ever to be 
revered — brave in battle, correct and kind in private 
life." The cane was mounted with gold and bore the 
inscription: "American patriotism embalms the mem- 
ories of its heroes." 

Doctor Usher Parsons, the surgeon of the flagship 
Lnwrence, then gave his reminiscences of the battle of 



MEMORIALS TO HIS HONOR 273 

Lake Erie, during which he exhibited with deep feeling 
the identical round jacket of blue cloth worn by the 
commodore during the engagement, and which, he said, 
"surrounded as brave a heart as ever beat in human 
frame." Captain Thomas Brownell, pilot of the Ariel, 
was then called upon, followed by Oliver Hazard Perry, 
the only surviving son of the commodore, who favored 
the assemblage with appropriate remarks. Upon the 
conclusion of the masonic ceremonies, Ossian E. Dodge, 
assisted by the masonic choir, sang an ode written ex- 
pressly for the occasion, and the inaugural ceremonies 
were brought to a close. 

The immense assemblage then hastened to the shore 
of the lake to witness the mock battle, which had been 
staged to give the people some idea of the terrible con- 
flict forty-seven years before. The vessels taking part 
in the battle were towed out from shore by tugs, they 
took their proper position, and the firing commenced. 
Although difficult of satisfactory execution, under the 
direction of Doctor Parsons and Captain Champlin, 
the real battle was faithfully represented in the mimic 
fray. The opposing fleets were soon enveloped in smoke 
which cleared away to reveal the Lwwrence disabled and 
drifting helplessly behind, and a little boat passing from 
her to the Niagara, representing the perilous shift of 
the heroic commodore. As the boat disappeared under 
the port quarter of the Niagara, the smoke of many guns 
again shrouded the vessels from view, only to lift at 
the critical moment for the thrilled spectators to see the 
uninjured Niagara haul up, and pass through the British 
fleet, delivering, as she did so, the most terrifying broad- 
sides to right and to left. The surrender of the enemy's 
vessels followed, as indicated by the lowering of their 
flags; and the chase and capture of the two small gun- 
boats of the enemy, which had attempted to escape, 
ended a most interesting and impressive scene. Ban- 
quets in the evening, a military review on the following 



2 74 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

day, and a farewell dinner to the Rhode Island delega- 
tion and distinguished guests of the city that night, con- 
cluded the grandest celebration ever held in the Middle 
West. 

With such glowing precedents to guide and inspire 
them, the people of the present generations now cele- 
brate and live over the memorable scenes of other days. 
To the honor of the national government and the states 
bordering on the Great Lakes, including Rhode Island 
and Kentucky, an imposing memorial is being erected 
at Put-in Bay, to commemorate for all time the glory 
and renown of the victors, the greatness of the Republic, 
and the century of peace which has since blest humanity 
as the result of the statesmanship and patriotism which 
inspired the signing and ratification of the Treaty of 
Ghent. It was this treaty that preserved the neutrality 
of the Great Lakes for one hundred years, and gave the 
civilized world its first object lesson in the efficacy of 
international peace. Within the area drained by the 
inland seas are concentrated all the interests of the 
United States and Great Britain, material and senti- 
mental, and here are symbolized the bonds that unite 
the two nations. The peace of one hundred years has 
consecrated the sacrifices of our sailors and soldiers in 
the war of 1812, and shown that any adequate concep- 
tion of an American memorial to their heroism must 
emphasize the equal valor of our opponents in that con- 
flict. 

The first authoritative action to bring about the 
celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Perry's 
famous victory, of General Harrison's triumphant cam- 
paign in Upper Canada, as well as the erection of the 
great memorial, was very appropriately taken by the 
State of Ohio, within whose borders the battle of Lake 
Erie was fought and its dead buried, either in the lake 
or by the picturesque shores of Put-in Bay. On the 
twenty-second of June, 1908, Governor Harris, by 



MEMORIALS TO HIS HONOR 275 

authority of the Ohio General Assembly, appointed five 
commissioners "to prepare and carry out plans" for a 
centennial celebration, and authorized them to invite 
the co-operation therein of the lake states and of Rhode 
Island and Kentucky, ^^'ithin two years eight states ac- 
cepted the invitation by appointing commissioners, each 
in the order named, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, 
Wisconsin, New York, Rhode Island, and Minnesota. 
Later, the legislature of Louisiana authorized the gov- 
ernor to appoint three commissioners, to express in a 
formal manner the interest of the commonwealth in the 
proposed memorial, and in the objects which it com- 
memorates. 

On the tenth of September, 1910, at Put-in Bay, the 
organization of the "Inter-State Board of Perry's Vic- 
tory Centennial Commissioners," was effected, which 
has since continued as the governing body of the enter- 
prise. Besides the commissioners appointed by the 
several states, which comprise the Inter-State Board, 
there are three commissioners for the United States 
government, appointed by President Taft in accordance 
witli the act of Congress. These commissioners are 
Lieutenant-General Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A. (Ret.) 
Washington, D. C. ; Rear Admiral Charles E. Clark, 
r. S. N. (Ret.) Washington, D. C; and General J. 
Warren Keifer, Springfield, Ohio. The Building Com- 
mittee of the Perry memorial consists of President 
George H. Worthington, United States Commissioner 
Nelson A. Miles, and First Vice-President Henry Wat- 
terson, with Secretary Huntington of the Inter-State 
Board, as secretary. 

Every suggestion of history and sentiment pointed 
to Put-in Bay, on South Bass Island, as the logical site 
for the memorial which should be truly national in 
character, and taking rank among the worthiest of such 
structures in the world. The site acquired by the Board 
consists of a reservation of about fourteen acres in ex- 



276 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 

tent, situated in the narrow neck of land forming the 
eastern end of the island and extending northward 
toward Middle Bass. It has about fourteen hundred 
feet of water front on both sides, and overlooks the 
historic bay which afforded shelter for Perry's fleet. 
Opposite lies Gibralter Rock from which the intrepid 
commander made his obserrations ; and a little way to 
the north is Ballast Island where the fleet paused, it 
is said, to obtain ballast from the rocky shores. Not 
far from the memorial site, on the shore of the 
picturesque bay, are the graves of the American and 
British officers who fell in the memorable engagement 
on the lake. It is fortunate indeed that Nature, in her 
most generous mood, has bestowed upon this spot attrac- 
tions as beautiful as its historic suggestions are 
significant. 

The competition in submitting designs for the Perry 
memorial was said by competent authority to have been 
the most remarkable in the history of the country. This 
was true both in point of number and merit of the de- 
signs presented to the National Commission of Fine 
Arts. In the architectural competition eighty-seven 
architects and firms qualified under the terms of the pro- 
gram proposed by the building committee, and fifty-four 
actually presented designs. These designs were exhibited 
in the National Museum at Washington, and as a whole 
were the subject of the highest expert approval and ad- 
miration. The accepted design, by Mr. J. H. Free- 
lander and Mr. A. D. Seymour, Jr., of New York, was 
adopted as the winner of the first prize in the archi- 
tectural competition which was concluded in January, 
1912. 

The Perry memorial, when completed according to 
the accepted design, will cover, with its plaza, almost 
all of the reservation dedicated as a park to it. The 
plaza, rising in a gradual ascent from the surface of 
the lake to the height of twelve feet, is seven hundred 



M - 

^ -: 

O § 

X = 

> I 




MEMORIALS TO HIS HONOR 277 

and fifty-eight feet long and four hundred and sixty- 
one feet wide. From its center rises the beautiful Doric 
column, three hundred and thirty-five feet in height 
from the base to the light on the tripod surmounting the 
cap. The column is forty-five feet in diameter at the 
base and thirty-five feet at the top; and is the highest 
monument in the world, with the exception of the Wash- 
ington monument at the National Capital. Surrounding 
the cap, which is elevated three hundred feet above the 
plaza, is a spectator's gallery reached by electric eleva- 
tors from the crypt at the base. The material used in 
the column is granite, and the whole rests on bed rock, 
which at this point is encountered from ten to twelve 
feet below the surface of the lake. 

Flanking the monument on the left is an historical 
museum, with a fioor space of three thousand square 
feet; and the structure to the right is emblematic of 
the century of peace between the United States and 
Great Britain. With due regard for the beauty and 
dignity of this architectural conception, the parking of 
the grounds is in perfect harmony, every detail of which 
appears with equal charm to the eye from both sides, or 
from the waters of the bay and those of Lake Erie. 
Some practical adjuncts to the memorial suggest them- 
selves as combining the highest artistic ideals and his- 
torical significance with lasting benefits to humanity. 
The site is an admirable one for the location of a wire- 
less telegraph station capable of receiving and discharg- 
ing messages over the whole chain of lakes, and also for 
a life-saving station and a meteorological bureau. Its 
location among the group of islands, the most treach- 
erous to navigation in Lake Erie, and the fact that Put- 
in Bay is the only island connected with the main land 
by both telegraph and telephone, render these considera- 
tions of great practical value to the lake shipping. 

By the indefatigable efforts of the commissioners 
of the state of Pennsylvania, the hulk of the old Niagara, 



278 OLIVER HxVZAED PERRY 

which for nearly a century lay embedded in the shifting 
sands of Miser}- Bay, in the harbor of Erie, was raised 
and restored as nearly as possible to its original lines. 
Fully rigged and armed as of old, the historic ship sailed 
forth, the central point of interest in the naval pageants 
of the Summer of 1913. To hundreds of thousands of 
people were thus extended the essential educational and 
patriotic aspects of the centennial celebration, who 
would otherwise have been deprived of its moral lessons. 



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